(12 Jan 2020) Thousands of anti-government protestors in Thailand gathered in a Bangkok park, early Sunday, in the biggest political demonstration for years, albeit one dressed up as a fun run.
Organisers said 10,000 people registered to join the "Run Against Dictatorship" which saw participants in anti-government T-shirts jog round a short course, just after dawn.
Many others cheered them on, chanting slogans demanding Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha stand down and giving a three-fingered salute as a symbol of resistance.
In a sign of rising political tensions in the country, government supporters held their own event in a city centre park, more than ten kilometres away.
Last year's general election was meant to restore full democracy, five years after the military staged a coup and took power.
But the poll rules were widely seen as framed to favour the pro-military party, making the election free but not fair.
With the coup leader Prayuth returned to power, many believe the poll merely laundered the junta through the ballot box.
The government's sluggish economic performance has added to a growing sense of discontent.
One participant, on Sunday, an office worker who gave his name only as Sakdinan, carried a plastic scythe and dressed as Death.
"Everything's worse", he said through a full face mask.
"The economy is worse and people are facing difficulties including over freedom of expression."
But what has brought protestors out in force again are judicial moves to dissolve a popular, new progressive political party.
The Future Forward Party came from nowhere to become the third largest group in parliament with 80 seats.
Their anti-military agenda made many younger Thais flock to their banner and was a challenge to the deeply conservative ruling elite.
The challenge has been met with legal cases, through the Election Commission and the Constitutional Court, for a number of alleged breaches of the law.
Many now assume the party will be found guilty and dissolved, possibly even this month.
The party's charismatic leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, is now the galvanising figure behind the growing protests.
On Sunday the billionaire businessman-turned-politician said he was delighted by the numbers who came to show their support.
"The people show great awareness of the political situation", he said, in between posing for selfies with excited supporters.
"I believe that in order for Thailand to be able to be a democratic country again the first step is that General Prayuth has to get out and the people here today I think we share that feeling. This is the demonstration of the anger of the people."
With similar runs being organised in other provinces, on Sunday, many now wonder whether Thailand is heading for another prolonged bout of street politics.
Rival camps have occupied parts of Bangkok, and sometimes fought running battles, several times over the last 14 years.
The unrest has triggered two coups and led to more than a hundred deaths.
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