METROPOLITAN Police said two rallies are taking place this evening (June 26) with one being at Phan Fa Lilat Bridge and the other at Phitsanulok road with six companies of policemen having been fielded to control the situation and another 10 companies on standby for support if needed, TV Channel 7 said.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy chief and spokesman of Metropolitan Police, said only police units from this bureau would be needed to handle this evening’s rallies.
Moreover information received so far shows that no third hand or violent groups are coming in to cause trouble. Even so the police are taking steps to prevent participants from taking weapons and illegal substances to the rally sites.
Initial discussions with the rally organisers reveal that red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan’s group will end their rally at 10 p.m.
The group led by Mr. Nitithorn Lumlue, or attorney Nok Khao, plans to stay at the rally site overnight but police cannot allow this and negotiations are underway.
Participants were warned to be extra careful because Covid-19 is still spreading widely in Bangkok.
They are also at risk of breaking several laws such as the emergency decree and the Communicable Diseases Act among others.
After the rallies end police will move in to gather evidence and proceed with legal action.
CAPTION:
Top: Barbed wire rolled out at one of the two rally sites. Thai headline says, “Mob at two points, six companies ready.” Photo: TV Channel 7
Home Page: Containers placed near Sanam Luang to control a protest there in March this year. Photo: Siam Rath
