Thai PM recalls parliament as protesters step up pressure
Gulf Today|October 20, 2020
Thai police had ordered a probe of four news outlets and imposed curbs on messaging app Telegram to try to stop three months of protests against the government and monarchy
Thai PM recalls parliament as protesters step up pressure

Thailand’s embattled premier called on Monday for a special session of parliament as protesters planned more rallies to demand his resignation, the release of jailed activists, and reforms to the monarchy.

Tens of thousands of mostly young protesters have taken to the streets in the past week in defiance of an emergency decree banning gatherings of more than four people.

Police said around 20,000 people protested across the capital on Sunday, although activists and local media estimated much bigger crowds.

Thai police said on Monday they had ordered an investigation of four news outlets under emergency measures introduced last week and imposed curbs on messaging app Telegram to try to stop three months of protests against the government and monarchy.

The announcement prompted anger from media groups and accusations of an attack on press freedom by the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, the former junta leader the protesters are seeking to drive from the office.

Prayut Chan-O-Cha said parliament - currently in recess - would be recalled to discuss how to reduce tensions.

“We support opening an extraordinary session to solve this conflict,” he told reporters, warning protesters not to break the law.

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