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BANGKOK: Thailand on Thursday (October 22) revoked an emergency decree aimed at ending months of anti-government and monarchy protests that had only fueled anger and brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets of Bangkok.
A government statement published in the official Royal Gazette said that starting at 12 p.m. (1 p.m. Singapore time) would mean the end of measures that include bans on political gatherings of five or more people and the publication of news that could affect safety.
“The current violent situation that led to the announcement of the serious situation has been alleviated and has ended in a situation where government officials and state agencies can enforce regular laws,” the statement said.
The only specific incident given for the ban was one in which Queen Suthida’s convoy was booed by protesters, but it came after protests that are the biggest challenge in years for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Protesters who gave Prayut three days to resign said withdrawing the measures was not enough.
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“He is still seeking to remain in power while ignoring all the demands of the people. The emergency decree should not have been issued in the first place,” said Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat, one of the leaders, said:
Dozens of protesters, including many of the most prominent protest leaders, were arrested during the crackdown.
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Among them was Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon, who was released Thursday after being arrested a day earlier.
Patsaravalee, 25, told reporters after her release that the court found the charges not serious and that she still needed to attend classes and exams, so she was granted bail without having to provide any guarantees.
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Protesters say Prayut rigged an election last year to maintain power he took in a 2014 coup. He says the choice was fair. The protesters accuse the monarchy of allowing years of military rule and want to curb the king’s powers.
The palace has a policy of not commenting to the media.
