Bangkok Gets a Bit of Kinetic Surprise
On its 18th of November, Thai police pulled out the big guns…well, rubber bullets—the softest of missile weapons—when about 350 protesters clashed in front of the APEC summit venue. According to Ashyan Kraithong, the event’s security supervisor, tensions spiked over a location just 10 km away from the international leaders’ luxury meeting hub.
What Went Down
- The crowd tried to topple a police car, toss projectiles, and charge at officers.
- Police, clad in riot gear, faced the onslaught with shields and batons, and weren’t shy about loading a few rubber bullets in the mix.
- Modern social media decoders spotted the chaos in real‑time videos—think more “street‑scene drama” than a quiet gathering.
Voices from the Front Lines
Young activist Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon, who was right in the thick of it, said the demonstrators were voicing frustration over the APEC summit itself and the actions of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan‑Ocha. “The police have overreacted. They are using rubber bullets on us and tried to stop us many times,” he told Reuters, clearly showing that even rubber can feel like a slap.
Police Footnote
- 10 protestors were pulled behind bars during the skirmish.
- Ashyan maintained that the protestors broke the law and physically assaulted officers, noting that five police members sustained injuries.
With the scene unfolding like a high‑energy street ballet, authorities claimed the protest turned violent while the crowd flopped like a drama of its own—an all‑out saga that added yet another chapter to Thailand’s brewing controversy over foreign investments and regional gatherings.
