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TIMELINE: Thai protests grow in defiance of ban

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Reuters

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/reuters/10/18/thailand-protests.jpg"/><figcaption>Pro-democracy protesters make way for an ambulance during an anti-government protest, in Bangkok, Thailand October 18, 2020. Athit Perawongmetha, Reuters</figcaption></figure></div>BANGKOK - Anti-government protesters in Thailand defied a ban on demonstrations for a fourth day on Sunday as they stepped up demands for the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and reform of the monarchy.Below is a timeline of events since Prayuth, a former military ruler, was appointed prime minister after an election in March 2019. He rejects accusations the electoral laws were fixed in his favor.June 9, 2019 - King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorses Prayuth as prime minister, keeping him in the post he first took in a 2014 coup.Nov. 20 - Constitutional court disqualifies vocal opposition figure Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit as a member of parliament, saying he violated electoral law. He disputes the ruling.Dec. 14 - Several thousand protesters demonstrate in Bangkok to protest against Thanathorn&#x27;s disqualification and the moves to ban his Future Forward party.Feb. 21, 2020 - Constitutional court bans Future Forward. The next day, hundreds of people join a protest against the decision.March 26 - Authorities impose a state of emergency to stop the spread of the coronavirus, limiting gatherings and travel.July 18 - The Free Youth group draws about 2,500 to a protest in Bangkok and makes three demands: dissolve parliament, amend the constitution and stop harassing critics.Aug. 3 - Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa makes an unprecedented call for reform of the monarchy at a protest with a Harry Potter theme.Aug. 10 - Students at Thammasat University list 10 demands for reforming the monarchy, including abolition of lese majeste law against criticising the king.Aug. 16 - More than 10,000 people join a protest at Bangkok&#x27;s Democracy Monument.Sept. 19 - Tens of thousands protest in the biggest demonstration since the 2014 coup, cheering calls for reforms to the monarchy as well as for the removal of Prayuth.Sept. 20 - Protesters install a plaque near the Grand Palace in Bangkok with the message that Thailand belongs to the people and not to the monarch. It was removed the next day.Sept. 24 - Thai parliament votes to delay considering changes to constitution.Oct. 13 - Protesters scuffle with police and chant at the king&#x27;s passing motorcade to demand the release of 21 arrested protesters.Oct. 14 - Tens of thousands of protesters march to Prayuth&#x27;s offices, Government House, and set up camp to demand his removal. Police fend off jeering protesters as Queen Suthida&#x27;s convoy passes close to them.Oct. 15 - Government orders emergency measures that include ban on gatherings of five or more people, but thousands take to the streets in defiance.Oct. 16 - Police use water cannon for the first time to try to disperse protest by thousands of people defying ban.Oct 17. - Tens of thousands of people join multiple anti-government demonstrations across Bangkok and in other parts of Thailand.Oct. 18 - Protesters take over two of Bangkok&#x27;s main transport hubs and protests spread across the country. Prayuth&#x27;s spokesman says he is concerned and the government seeks talks. <div>(Writing by Matthew Tostevin Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)</div>

Anti-government protesters in Thailand defied a ban on demonstrations for a fourth day on Sunday as they stepped up demands for the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and reform of the monarchy.

Anti-government protesters in Thailand defied a ban on demonstrations for a fourth day on Sunday as they stepped up demands for the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and reform of the monarchy.