Thai protesters call for election boycott
- 10 years ago
Anti-government protesters in Thailand are calling for an election boycott ahead of Sunday’s vote.
In Bangkok demonstrators have blocked major intersections and flyovers for weeks.
Their vow to disrupt Sunday’s vote comes after they closed down polling stations in the capital and the south during advanced voting the weekend before, provoking anger among voters.
Head of the election commission, Puchong Nutrawong said polling stations in 49 of Bangkok’s 50 districts were forced shut.
Protesters say they want to bring down Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, then set up a “people’s council” to establish their own political reform.
But Thailand’s embattled government is pushing ahead with the election, despite fears it could end in bloodshed.
Soldiers are reportedly on standby in case of fresh clashes.
Ten people have been killed and over 500 wounded in politics-related violence in the country since November.
In Bangkok demonstrators have blocked major intersections and flyovers for weeks.
Their vow to disrupt Sunday’s vote comes after they closed down polling stations in the capital and the south during advanced voting the weekend before, provoking anger among voters.
Head of the election commission, Puchong Nutrawong said polling stations in 49 of Bangkok’s 50 districts were forced shut.
Protesters say they want to bring down Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, then set up a “people’s council” to establish their own political reform.
But Thailand’s embattled government is pushing ahead with the election, despite fears it could end in bloodshed.
Soldiers are reportedly on standby in case of fresh clashes.
Ten people have been killed and over 500 wounded in politics-related violence in the country since November.