Sharjah 24 – AFP: Two 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.
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.