METROPOLITAN Police Bureau announced roads and bridges to avoid around Democracy Monument from noon tomorrow as three groups of demonstrators are simultaneously holding rallies there, Siam Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Nov. 13, 2020).
At a press briefing presided over by two Deputy Metropolitan Police Chiefs, Pol. Maj. Gen Piya Tawichai and Pol. Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, as well as Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, it was revealed that one of the three groups, who call themselves “bad students,” are gathering in front of the Education Ministry and then marching to Democracy Monument in the afternoon, but the exact time is not yet known.
Also rallying at Khok Wua intersection from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow is a women liberation group while the third group is organizing what they call a “Mob Fest” at Democracy Monument from 2 p.m. to midnight.
Pol. Maj. Gen Piya warned the public that the three rallies would affect traffic flow, and although traffic in the area will not be closed unless the demonstrators block the roads, there is likely to be an impact from noon onwards and if it is not necessary it is best to avoid this area.
Following roads will be most impacted: Ratchadamnoen Nai, Ratchadamnoen Klang, Ratchadamnoen Nok, Somdet Phra Pinklao, Wisut Kasat, Chakkraphat Phong, Lan Luang, Dinso and Tanao. The two bridges to avoid are: Rama 8 and Somdej Phra Pinklao.
However Atsadang, Sukhothai, Sawankhalok and Charoen Krung roads as well as Krung Thon, Memorial, Phra Pok Klao and Taksin (Sathorn) bridges can be used normally
The public can inquire about traffic routes all 24 hours at the hotline 1197.
Approximately 5,100 policemen will be taking care of the events but they will not use harsh measures to control the protesters. No barriers will be erected and warnings will be issued.
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Top: Democracy Monument at night. Photo: Sluj78 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
