Thai parliament meets to discuss tensions linked to protests

Supporters of the Thai monarchy display images of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida and the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Gemunu Amarasinghe/AP)

Thailand’s parliament began a special session that was called to address tensions as pro-democracy protests draw students and other demonstrators into the streets almost daily demanding the prime minister’s resignation and other reforms.

As Speaker of the House Chuan Leekpai began the session, only 450 of the total of 731 members of both houses had signed in for the meeting.