[ad_1]
Thailand’s government banned gatherings of five or more people and the posting of news or messages online that could harm national security early Thursday under an emergency decree to end Bangkok’s street protests.
Authorities also arrested the leaders of the anti-government protests, Arnon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok, early Thursday, the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said. Police did not immediately comment. The Associated Press reported that Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, another leader of the protest, was among 20 people detained by police.
“The authorities arrested Arnon and Panupong at 5 am,” the rights group said, adding that Arnon was arrested for a speech he had given in the northern city of Chiang Mai. He said the reason for Panupong’s arrest was unclear. Later on Thursday, student leader Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul was seen being carried away by the police in a wheelchair while waving three fingers at pro-democracy activists.
Protests in Thailand have escalated for three months and protesters set up camp in front of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s offices to demand his resignation late on Wednesday. The government said it also acted after protesters obstructed a royal caravan.
“It is extremely necessary to introduce an urgent measure to put an end to this situation effectively and quickly to maintain peace and order,” announced state television.
It was accompanied by a document that established measures that took effect at 4 am local time (2100 GMT) to prohibit large gatherings and allow authorities to prohibit people from entering any area they designate.
It also prohibits: “the publication of news, other media and electronic information that contains messages that may create fear or intentionally distort information, creating misunderstandings that will affect national security or peace and order.”
Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Bangkok on Wednesday. The protesters who had occupied the space in front of Prayuth’s office in Bangkok were cleared by police early Thursday, a Reuters witness said.
The protest movement aims to remove Prayuth, who took power in a 2014 coup aimed at ending a decade of violence between supporters and opponents of the country’s establishment.
Those marching in the streets also want a new constitution and have called for a reduction in the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, breaking a long-standing taboo on criticizing the monarchy.
Protesters shouted at the king’s caravan in Bangkok on Tuesday after the arrest of 21 protesters. On Wednesday, protesters slowed a convoy carrying Queen Suthida, waved three fingers and chanted “get out” to the police protecting the vehicle.
