January 11, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

At least 10,000 demonstrators showed up for the “Run Against Dictatorship” in the capital, Bangkok on January 12. Meanwhile, thousands of people also have gathered in park runs across Thailand to protest against the military-backed government and called for more political freedom.

During the main run in Bangkok anti-government protesters shouted "Prayuth, get out!" and "Long live democracy" as they jogged. Mr. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the retired military general, was elected as prime minister in 2019. Many showed the three-finger salute, a gesture featured in the Hunger Games series, symbolizing unity amid struggle. The runs across the country were considered shows of people's dissent against Mr. Prayuth's government.

Earlier in December of 2019, the billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit had organized a large rally to protest against the prime minister and his military-backed government

In contrast, pro-government activists registered more than 3,000 names for participating in a similar event in another park in Bangkok in support of Mr. Prayuth.

Photo:Webshot.