THE People’s Party demonstration got into top gear this evening (Feb. 10) with the arrival of their key leader Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike Rayong, who called on the authorities cancel Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, Thai Rath newspaper said.
Today’s rally at the skywalk in front of MBK shopping mall, entitled “A gathering of people with nothing to eat, banging pots to chase away the dictator,” was jointly organized with a wing of labour activists.
Mike said the protesters also wanted to draw attention to their friends being detained under Section 112 which he pointed out was not in accordance with international principles.
The protesters also wanted to voice their grievance that the financial relief measures had not truly helped the public.
Mike had also distributed stickers with the message, “cancel 112.”
Thai Rath’s reporters asked Mike whether he knows that the Progressive Movement said today it is going to table a motion for the amendment of Section 112 in Parliament. Mike replied that he had not but if they could amend it, then that is what they should do, but if not it should be cancelled.
Asked how long today’s rally would last, Mike said it depended on the situation with there being lots of policemen around. However the protesters would be keeping it peaceful and would continue as long as need be.
He added that no one would get infected with Covid-19 today with the infection coming from the mistakes the government made.
Earlier National Police chief Pol. Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk asked People’s Party followers to not do anything illegal as police did not want to implement the necessary measures to enforce the law but would not hesitate to do so.
He added that police always try to avoid using force but had to enforce the law with lawbreakers to be prosecuted.
Meanwhile the police had earlier spread out around the skywalk. They had put up barriers at the yard in front of Siam Discovery shopping centre to demarcate and control entry and exit points.
CAPTION:
Top: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, left, and Mike Rayong, right. Photo: Thai Rath
Home Page: A policeman outside MBK shopping mall this afternoon. Photo: Thai Rath
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