Bangkok: Dozens of Thai students were detained by soldiers today after they attempted to stage a protest at a public park at the centre of a corruption scandal that has shaken the kingdom's military junta.
"The authorities have detained them to stop them from reaching their destination," said junta spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree.
The park "was built for Thai people to pay homage," to the monarchy, and is not designed to be used for protests or events, he added.
Rajabhakti Park in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin was built as a tribute to Thailand's monarchy by the royalist military, but it has become engulfed in a graft scandal that has undermined the junta's anti-corruption pledges.
The park's construction, overseen by General Udomdej Sitabutr, a former army chief and the junta's deputy defence minister, has been dogged by allegations in local media and among opposition groups that large bribes were demanded for various building contracts.
The students said they would travel to the park and "denounce corruption," according to a Facebook post by student leader Sirawith Seritiwat, who later also announced their detention on social media.
Thailand has had a long weekend with a bank holiday today to mark the King's birthday,but the park was closed at short notice.
The students were loaded onto a military bus at around midday today. It was not immediately known where they were taken.
"We don't want confrontation," said the military spokesman, contending that other groups disagreed with the students and could have organised counter protests.
Last week, two leading opposition leaders were also arrested by soldiers after trying to visit the park, which boasts seven enormous bronze statues of famous Thai kings.
Thailand's generals seized power last year partially justifying their takeover as a necessary move to curb endemic corruption among the kingdom's civilian politicians and protect the royal family.
The junta leadership, including Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, has insisted there was no graft involved in the park's construction, but allegations to the contrary have continued, transfixing a country where the military rarely brooks dissent.
Under pressure, the defence ministry announced its own investigation, but the probe is being overseen by Prayut's brother, who is also a general.
The monarchy is shielded by one of the world's toughest lese majeste laws and prosecutions have surged since the military coup.
A string of senior police and military officers have been accused of falsely claiming connections to the palace to demand bribes and charged with lese majeste.
Two arrested suspects have since died in military custody and were quickly cremated.
"The authorities have detained them to stop them from reaching their destination," said junta spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree.
The park "was built for Thai people to pay homage," to the monarchy, and is not designed to be used for protests or events, he added.
The park's construction, overseen by General Udomdej Sitabutr, a former army chief and the junta's deputy defence minister, has been dogged by allegations in local media and among opposition groups that large bribes were demanded for various building contracts.
Advertisement
Thailand has had a long weekend with a bank holiday today to mark the King's birthday,but the park was closed at short notice.
Advertisement
"We don't want confrontation," said the military spokesman, contending that other groups disagreed with the students and could have organised counter protests.
Advertisement
Thailand's generals seized power last year partially justifying their takeover as a necessary move to curb endemic corruption among the kingdom's civilian politicians and protect the royal family.
Advertisement
Under pressure, the defence ministry announced its own investigation, but the probe is being overseen by Prayut's brother, who is also a general.
Advertisement
A string of senior police and military officers have been accused of falsely claiming connections to the palace to demand bribes and charged with lese majeste.
Two arrested suspects have since died in military custody and were quickly cremated.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Myanmar Stops Foreign Work Permits After Military Service Law Sparks Rush Aung San Suu Kyi Moved From Prison To House Arrest: "Very Hot Weather" Thousands Seek To Flee Myanmar As Junta Plans Mandatory Military Service Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment Watch: Woman's "Suspicious" Behaviour During Trump Rally Shooting Is Viral What Trump Rally Shooter Did On Last Day Of His Life Elon Musk To Move Companies Out Of California Over Transgender Law Four In Five Americans Fear Country Is Sliding Into Chaos: Polls Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 2.39 Lakh Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.