The Guardian

Thai teenagers tell rulers: ‘You’re dinosaurs’

Thousands of students continue to take to streets of Bangkok to demand reform of monarchy, government and education
Students, including one in a dinosaur costume, gather for a pro-democracy protest in central Bangkok. Photograph: Sirachai Arunrugstichai/Getty Images

Outside one of Bangkok’s busy shopping arcades, crowds of young protesters bounce balloons – coloured grey with patches of molten orange – above their heads.

“We will act as a meteorite and hit the outdated ways of the older generations in this country,” the protest organisers explained. “We will talk about all the topics that the dinosaurs don’t want to hear.” Inflatable dinosaurs wobbled in the afternoon heat, representing the Thai government. The symbols are playful, but the message is clear: teenagers want change.

A has shaken Thailand over the past five months. Young people have taken to the streets to call for a true democracy, and have risked jail to

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