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BANGKOK: Protesters returned to the streets of Bangkok for the fifth day in a row in coordinated demonstrations on Sunday (October 18) to continue their call to end the rule of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Despite an emergency decree banning public gatherings, the rallies began at 4 p.m. local time at the Victory Monument MRT station, Asoke and Tha Phra in the capital.
READ: Thai protesters gather for fourth day in Bangkok despite ban on large gatherings
Protest organizers had asked protesters on Sunday morning to be ready at any BTS skytrain station near their home by 3 p.m. local time, but did not reveal any further details on the gathering places, to avoid blockades. by the authorities.
At approximately 2.30 pm, authorities announced the temporary closure of several underground BTS and MRT aerial train stations, as well as walkways between buildings and stations in the affected areas.
The coordinated demonstrations in Bangkok are part of the youth-led movement known as the People, which has been calling for months for an end to Prayut’s leadership, constitutional amendment and reform of the monarchy.
Driven by a coalition of youth groups from across Thailand, the movement has recently become somewhat leaderless, as most of the protest leaders have been detained by the police.
Bangkok has been in a state of emergency since 4 a.m. Tuesday, yet protesters in Bangkok have defied government orders, which prohibit any action that causes riots.
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The publication of electronic news and information with messages that may instill fear among the public, intentionally distort the facts or cause misunderstandings that affect national security or peace and order is also prohibited.
The order was issued by the prime minister to control anti-government protesters.
According to police, signing up for protest sites on social media or sharing selfies while in the areas could result in legal action.
“The police enforcement this time complies with laws, international standards and human rights, in order to maintain peace and order for the general public,” said police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen at a conference on press on Sunday.
On Saturday, authorities shut down much of the city’s transportation system in an attempt to prevent protesters from gathering.
However, massive crowds managed to rally for several hours in three different areas, including the intersection of Lat Phrao, Udomsuk and Wongwian Yai. Police did not intervene on Saturday and the protesters dispersed after several hours.
With many of the key leaders arrested, protesters on Saturday took turns delivering short speeches.
In addition to Bangkok, there have also been more rallies in different provinces.
Police have dispersed their protests twice, first on Thursday and then on Friday at the Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok’s commercial district.
