THE huge demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection today (Nov. 18) started building up from afternoon onwards and when at police told them to break up the gathering at 4.15 p.m. because prior permission had not been obtained, they yelled back “slaves of dictators,” Siam Rath newspaper reported.
The protesters gathered on the footpath with some moving on to one lane of the road in front of Central World. Many red-shirt songs were played to rouse the crowd.
It was observed at 4 p.m. that traffic was still flowing normally with no announcement made to close this road. Department stores and other shops and businesses around this intersection also had not closed.
The nearby Royal Thai Police headquarters was heavily barricaded.
CAPTION:
The huge crowd of demonstrators at Ratchaprasong intersection at 4 p.m. today. Photos: Siam Rath