BANGKOK — Demonstrators, some underaged, were left injured from the teargas chemical laced inside water cannons used by riot police in their crackdown on an unarmed protest on Rama I Road.
“We will retreat. As leaders we weighed the situation,” a young protester shouted instructions via megaphone. “Many people have been injured. We don’t want there to be any losses. We are retreating and will fight with our brains instead.”
Two young men who were picking up a friend in the protest site said that they heard police say rubber bullets would be used if they do not leave.
“People are going to Chulalongkorn University as a refuge spot,” he said. “But we are going home and will be back tomorrow.”
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At Chulalongkorn University, protesters are regrouping in the belief that police may not arrest people inside the campus.
“You can come in! Come in!” said a female protester, beckoning people inside.
A lecturer from the medical faculty said that they would not let police inside.
“I walked since the Victory Monument. I can’t go home since the BTS is closed,” a young man said. “I’m here to wash my eyes.”
Twitter user @qqsbpp reports that a five-year-old was injured from the tear gas.
Demonstrators also include underage students.
While the water was being sprayed at the protesters, a monk knocked on the door of the water cannon truck to ask him to stop.