Thai officers protest restraints on use of force

BANGKOK - Thai police staged a protest Monday to show their frustration after weeks of dealing with aggressive and often violent anti-government demonstrators, with officers saying the order for them to show restraint has left them vulnerable and humiliated.

About 500 police with family and friends gathered in a public square near the main protest camp in Bangkok, four days after a police officer was shot dead in a pitched battle with demonstrators who were trying to stop candidates from registering for February elections.

Police came to mourn the officer but also to complain they are not properly equipped or organized to defend themselves.

They’re also protesting restraint on their use of force they say allowed demonstrators to humiliate them.

The demonstrators are demanding the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra make way for an appointed council to institute political changes to eradicate corruption before any polls.

At least eight people have been killed in sporadic violence since the demonstrations began about two months ago.

Front Section, Pages 5 on 12/31/2013

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