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BANGKOK: Hundreds of anti-government protesters regrouped in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong business district on Thursday afternoon (October 15), after their previous demonstration in front of Government House was dispersed by police in the early hours of the day. .
Riot control tankers and many police vans could be seen. The protesters called for the release of their friends who were arrested by the authorities that same day.
This was despite the state of emergency declared by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at 4 am local time, which prohibits any gathering of five or more people, as well as any action that incites riot.
The publication of electronic news and information with messages that could sow fear among the public, intentionally distort facts or cause misunderstandings that affect national security or peace and order is also prohibited.
Protesters cheered and raised a three-finger salute as police walked away from protesters at the Ratchaprasong intersection on October 15, 2020 (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo).
“The Popular Party condemned the government’s action. We also want to maintain our stance by continuing the protest on October 15, 2020, at 4 pm, at the Ratchaprasong intersection, ”said one of the protest leaders, Jutatip Sirikhan, after the police dispersal.
“For those who love democracy, come out to create change with us and overthrow dictatorship and evil feudalism.”
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Anti-government protesters held a large demonstration at the Democracy Monument on Wednesday to call for an end to the Prayut administration, the amendment of the statutes and the reform of the monarchy.
The demonstration was driven by a coalition of youth groups from across the country, collectively known as the Popular Party. The name is a symbolic reference to a group of revolutionaries behind Thailand’s transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in 1932.
The protesters subsequently moved to the camp outside Government House for the night before being dispersed by the police the next morning.
READ: Thai protesters demanding reforms take to the streets of Bangkok and march to Government House
Ratchaprasong is a central business and commercial district of Bangkok.
According to police spokesperson Krissana Pattanacharoen, the meeting in Ratchaprason is considered a crime as it violates the emergency decree.
“Whoever joins the demonstration will be considered a criminal,” he told a news conference Thursday morning.
The Metropolitan Police Office has deployed officers to ensure law and order in the area.
More than 20 protesters were arrested during the morning operation. They include key leaders like Arnon Nampa, Parit Chiwarak, and Prasit Karutarote. Later, the police arrested another protest leader, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, at a hotel on Khaosan Road.
