Thai protesters gather in Bangkok for 5th day in defiance of ban
BANGKOK: Protesters returned to the streets of Bangkok for the fifth straight day in coordinated demonstrations on Sunday (Oct 18) to continue their call for an end to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government.
Despite an emergency decree banning public gatherings, the rallies started at 4pm local time at the Victory Monument, Asoke and Tha Phra MRT station in the capital.
Protest organisers had called on Sunday morning for
demonstrators to be ready at any BTS skytrain station near their house
by 3pm local time but did not disclose further details about the
gathering sites, to avoid blockades by the authorities.
At about 2.30pm, authorities announced temporary closure of several BTS skytrain and MRT underground stations, as well as walkways between buildings and stations in the affected areas.
Around 4pm, several hundreds of protesters gathered in the rain at
Victory Monument, the primary protest site, carrying umbrellas and
wearing rain jackets. Traffic around the area also slowed down as more
people joined the rally.
Despite lacking proper sound system and mobile stages, protesters shouted short phrases like "reform the monarchy” and “Prayut, get out”. They were also seen trying to stop the police from putting up barricades at the site.
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 apprehended by police.
Bangkok has been under a state of emergency since 4am on Tuesday, yet protesters in Bangkok have defied the government’s orders, which prohibit any action that would instigate unrest.
READ: Thailand bans protests as challenge to establishment escalates
READ: Thai protest leaders declare end to demonstration after police fire water cannon in Bangkok
Publication of news and electronic information with messages that could instill fear among the public, intentionally distort facts, or cause misunderstanding that would affect national security, or peace and order is also forbidden.
The order was issued by the prime minister to control anti-government protesters.
According to police, checking in at protest sites on social media or sharing selfies while in the areas could result in legal action.
“Police enforcement this time around is in compliance with laws, international standards, and human rights, in order to maintain peace and order for the general public,” said police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen in a press conference on Sunday.
On Saturday, the authorities shut down much of the city's transport system in a bid to thwart protesters from gathering.
However,
mass crowds managed to hold demonstrations for several hours in three
different areas, including the Lat Phrao intersection, Udomsuk and
Wongwian Yai. Police did not intervene on Saturday and the protesters
dispersed after several hours.
With many of the key leaders detained, demonstrators on Saturday took turns giving short speeches.
Besides Bangkok, more rallies have also been held in different provinces.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thai-protesters-rally-for-5th-day-bangkok-oct-18-13305646
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