Thai PM says will lift emergency amid protests
Thailand's prime minister says he's preparing to lift the state of emergency imposed last week -- which included an effective ban on protests -- in order to stop protests in Bangkok.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate", Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Wednesday (October 21).
The emergency measures imposed last Thursday prompted tens of thousands to take to the streets -- the biggest in three months of anti-government rallies.
They banned political gatherings of more than five people and publishing information that's deemed a security threat.
Protesters want Prayuth to go, and reforms to curb the powers of the king.
Their movement has become the biggest challenge to Thailand's establishment in years, and has drawn the most open opposition to the monarchy in decades.
Prayuth's promises are unlikely to appease the protesters. As he spoke, tens of thousands marched towards his office to demand his resignation.
But the monarchy has its devout supporters -- and they showed out on Wednesday too, wearing yellow, the royal color.
To condemn an incident last week where anti-government protesters jeered at the queen's motorcade.
