BANGKOK: Three protesters were injured when Thai police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a Bangkok rally Friday — the third time this week — as coronavirus cases soar and anger builds over the government’s handling of the pandemic.

The kingdom is grappling with its worst virus outbreak so far and registered a new daily high of 23,418 infections on Friday.

The sluggish rollout of Thailand’s vaccination programme and financial pain from restrictions is heaping political pressure on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha’s government.

Protesters gathered in Bangkok at a major intersection by Victory Monument, defying a ban on public gatherings, and set fire to sacks of rotting fruit to symbolise the economic hardship of farmers.

“These fruits can’t be sold because of government failure (to manage the virus and the economy),” a female protester told a crowd of several hundred people.

Demonstrators attempted to march on Prayut’s residence inside a military barracks holding a large banner that read: “Prayut must get out immediately.” Police used barbed wire and rows of shipping containers to block their path while officers fired tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon.

Deputy National Police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen said protesters targetted officers with ping pong bombs, slingshots, bricks, and firecrackers.

Fourteen motorbikes were impounded, he said.

At least three protesters were injured including youth activist Thanat “Nat” Thanakitamnuay, an emergency medical centre said.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2021