Thailand protesters cover police headquarters with paint after dozens injured in clashes

Protestsers are calling for the resignation of the prime minister and a curb on the monarchy’s powers

A pro-democracy supporter spray paints a sign at the Thai police’s headquarters (EPA)

Protesters in Thailand hurled paint at a police building in the capital Bangkok on Wednesday, a day after scores of people were injured by officers during an anti-government demonstration.

The scenes took place on Wednesday evening outside the Royal Thai Police headquarters in response to the police’s use of water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators the previous day.

As a result of these crowd dispersal tactics, more than 50 people were injured, most of whom were suffering the effects of tear gas, according to Bangkok’s Erawan Medical Centre.

The thousands of pro-democracy supporters who took to the street on Wednesday considered the police’s actions earlier in the week to constitute an excessive use of force.

"We came here solely because of our anger," said Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul, one of the leaders of Wednesday’s protest.

As well as throwing paint and water, some demonstrators also defaced the building with anti-monarchy graffiti, while officers remained inside and did not attempt to intervene.

A police spokesperson said that charges would be brought against those who had damaged public property.

This week’s protests are part of an anti-government movement that has rocked the country since July. It calls for the ousting of prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha from power and wide constitutional changes, including a curb on the monarch’s powers. 

On Wednesday, the country’s parliament voted against a bill backed by the protest movement, which would have permitted all aspects of the constitution to be amended.

Demonstrators have vowed to keep clamouring for their demands, saying their next event will be held at the Crown Property Bureau on 25 November.

It will contest the management of the palace fortune, which is under the control of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Additional reporting by Reuters