THE “Walk Through the Sky V2” protesters have set up a camp on the bank of a canal with the Government House right across it as they push for their four demands with 31 companies of police rotating to maintain security, Thai Rath newspaper said this afternoon (March 14).
Their four demands are: release their friends, repeal Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law; write a new constitution, and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha step down.
The spot where some of the protesters have ensconced, with the others having returned yesterday, is where Karen villagers and the activist Save Bang Kloi Coalition are encamped as they demonstrate for their right to live at Bang Kloi, which is deep within Kaeng Krachan National Park, from where they were evicted a decade ago.
The protesters took several turns before setting their camp at this spot yesterday, having first been blocked from turning to Ratchadamnoen Nok Road. They then turned to Nakhon Sawan road, crossed the bridge, entered Phitsanulok Road and stopped at Chamai Maruchet Bridge, unable to go further due to the barbed wire fence. The protester then turned left and set up their village at the edge of Prem Prachakorn canal, Rama 5 Road, beside Rajamangala University of Technology.
Mr. Petch Chalermchai Wat Chang 1, the leader of this march, yesterday was the first day of setting up the camp and discussions were held on security rules and staying together. Today they are organizing various activities such as forums and discussions.
A public relations drive is also being launched online every morning and this will continue until Prime Minister Prayut resigns, he added.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy chief and spokesman of Metropolitan Police, said the overall picture of the protest march from Democracy Monument to the Government House yesterday was good with no violence erupting.
However the other protest group, the Karen villagers and their supporters, are expected to return on Tuesday after talks on revision of a settlement, he added.
The protest march participants violated Section 9 of the Emergency Decree as well as a security announcement issued on March 5, 2021 and faced a maximum two years jail term and/or a fine of not more 40,000 baht .
They also violated Communicable Diseases Act and although they did not cause any disturbance it is still considered an offense, Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya said.
CAPTION:
The demonstrators during their march and at the camp they set up. Photos: Thai Rath
