Thai police say use of force necessary as protesters plan new rally

FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators take part in a protest against the government's handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 10, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai police defended their use of force against protesters as a necessary public safety measure, as the capital Bangkok braced for more demonstrations on Wednesday to demand the prime minister's removal for mismanaging a coronavirus crisis.

Police fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets https://reut.rs/3lQhS1Z on Tuesday to disperse protesters gathered near the residence of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to show their anger over an outbreak that has seen record deaths in recent days.