Many of them left rural areas to earn their living in the sex trade — and send money home to help their families. COVID-19 restrictions have changed all that.
Riot police in Thailand sought to disperse thousands of protesters, a day after the government officially banned demonstrations calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators ignored the order. They are calling for the resignation of military-backed Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and curbs on the monarchy.
Last week, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul took the stage at a rally to read a manifesto calling for reform of Thailand's politically powerful monarchy — a move that could land her in jail.
Sunday saw the largest anti-government demonstration in Bangkok since a military coup six years ago. Some demonstrators called for reform of the monarchy, the country's most revered institution.
Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, the grandson of the energy drink's creator, allegedly killed a Thai policeman while drunk driving in Bangkok, dragging the officer for more than 300 feet.