Thousands protest in Thailand over planned reforms

By Helen Regen and Kocha Olarn | CNN

Thailand’s parliament on Wednesday voted to move forward with two proposals on amending the constitution but stopped short of backing a motion that included monarchical reform, amid intensifying protests against the country’s military-backed government.

A youth-led movement has held regular demonstrations for the past five months, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha — who seized power in a military coup in 2014 — the dissolution of parliament and changes to the constitution that they say entrenches the military’s power.

Protesters have also broken long-held taboos and risked lengthy prison sentences by calling for reform of the monarchy to curb the King’s powers and ensure he is accountable to the constitution. The movement is the biggest challenge to the establishment the country has seen in decades.

The vote…