In mid-November, Thai police employed heavy-handed tactics as they deployed chemical-laced water cannons, tear gas canisters and the suspected use of rubber bullets – a counterproductive move that Mark S. Cogan argues will only lead to an escalation of violence.
At a demonstration near Thailand’s Parliament on November 17, the Royal Thai Police escalated defensive measures against pro-reform protesters, employing water cannons and throwing canisters of tear gas in an effort to push back the crowd.
In Hong Kong, more than 10,000 canisters of tear gas were launched over a period of six months, according to the Associated Press. CS gas, which is common in tear gas can produce health risks for vulnerable people. For example, chemical irritants such as tear gas cause pain and inflammation, particularly on the skin or entering the body via mucous membranes. Higher concentrations of chemical irritants can cause prolonged discomfort, requiring hospitalisation.
At a hearing the Deputy Chief of the 2nd Crowd Control Division Lt.
Law enforcement agencies seem unwilling to bridge the gap in knowledge about which tactics to employ and a lack of understanding about the side effects of non-lethal weaponry.
This article was written by MARK S. COGAN
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