New troubles for Thai leader amid virus surge, fresh protests

FILE PHOTO: A pro-democracy demonstrator holds a portrait of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, at at gathering at Democracy Monument to demand the release of four protestors who were charged under a lese majeste law, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 7, 2021. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa/File Photo

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A year after the start of student-led protests against Thailand's military-backed government, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is facing growing anger amid a mounting wave of coronavirus infections and a dismal economy.

This time, some of those calling for Prayuth to step down are his one-time allies.