DEMONSTRATORS will be holding rallies at two places in Bangkok tomorrow after having requested permission from Metropolitan Police to do so, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Dec. 9, 2020).
Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy chief and spokesman of Metropolitan Police, said one rally is taking place in front of United Nations office from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Ms. Suwanna Tanlek, representative of the June 24 Democracy Group, having filed a request to do so.
The second rally is being held at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. by a group of disabled people to call for rights and liberty.
Meanwhile the October 14 Memorial Group will also be holding a panel discussion tomorrow but this does not require permission from the authorities because it is being held in a private area. However permission would be required if the group moves to a public area.
Pol. Col. Prasopchok Iampinit, head of Nang Loeng police station, asked the organizers of both rallies to stay on the sidewalk and not move on the roads. They should also not display placards inciting the public nor move elsewhere from the stated spot. They were told to keep in mind rallies are forbidden within 50 metres of the Government House.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya mentioned that so far 120 cases have been started against protest leaders in the Metropolitan Police’s area of jurisdiction. Of this total 39 cases have been forwarded to the prosecutors while 81 are still being investigated.
Regarding cases under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya said investigation is being speeded up into violation of this law.
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Top: Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya talking to the press today. Thai headline says, “even though permission sought still must not break the law.” Photo: Sanook.com
