Thai protesters march to army barracks against king's military power

Thousands of anti-government protesters marched to an army barracks in Bangkok on Sunday to challenge the Thai king's personal control over some army units.

It was the latest act of defiance against King Maha Vajiralongkorn by protesters who have broken taboos by criticizing the monarchy.

Protesters, many carrying the large inflatable ducks which have become a protest mascot, stopped at the gates of the 11th Infantry Regiment, part of the King's Guard that played a role in the suppression of anti-establishment protests in 2010.

Lines of riot police blocked protesters at the gate.

"Control of the king's Guard should be brought under the government's rule, the government that the people elected," said Parit Chiwarak, a student protest leader who has been a frequent critic of the monarchy.

Protesters accuse the monarchy of enabling decades of military domination. There have been 13 successful coups since 1932, when absolute rule by the monarch came to an end.

Protests began in July and initially demanded the departure of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former junta leader, and a new constitution.

Demonstrators have expanded their demands since then to include curbs on the powers of the king.

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