A PRO-ROYALISTS group of vocational students started gathering at Ratchaprasong intersection at 1 p.m. today (March 6) to declare their intention to protect the monarchy, Siam Rath newspaper said.
They parked their vehicle fitted with amplifiers in front of the Central World department store and waved both the national and their group’s flags.
Police from Pathumwant station talked to the group leader pointing out that a new order prohibiting gatherings so as to prevent the spread of Covid-19 was announced yesterday but the protesters refused to budge.
Meanwhile the red shirts and Nonthaburi residents group changed their plans and are not going to the 11th Infantry Regiment compound where police have built up a strong container barrier and instead are moving to the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana road, Thai Rath newspaper said.
The group had gathered at Lotus Rangsit branch and at 2.30 p.m. the convoy started moving down Vibhavadi Rangsit road to the Government Complex.
The group’s leader, Mr. Shinawatra Chankrachang, or Bright, said they will also be gathering at a Thai-style house of an MP in that area.
The police team at the 11th Infantry Regiment compound had further strengthened their defenses but adding more containers to the barrier stretching all the way to Bang Bua intersection.
One of this protest movement’s leaders Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike, today said that his group’s action is peaceful and is being held to demand four points among which are the release of their friends and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha step down.
He added that the organiser of the assembly at Kasetsart intersection by the People Go Network from Nakhon Ratchasima province this evening had got permission from the authorities to do so.
CAPTION:
Top and Home Page The pro-royalists vocational group in front of the Central World department store this afternoon. Photo: Siam Rath
First below: Mike talking to reporters today. Photo: Thai Rath
Second below: Some of the containers placed in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment compound. Photo: Thai Rath
