THE Metropolitan Police this afternoon (July 2) warned protesters against holding rallies, pointing out legal action is already being taken against 223 people for doing so, with 900 policemen fielded to control the situation, INN News said.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police and its spokesman, said the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration and People’s Party (or Rasadorn Group) are gathering at Uruphong intersection at 4 p.m. today and will march along Phitsanulok road to the Government House to call on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to step down.
Tomorrow the Thai People group led by Mr. Nitithorn Lumlua will likewise gather at Uruphong intersection and march to the Government House to pressure the Prime Minister to quit.
An hour later the Thais Won’t Tolerate group led by red shirt leader Mr. Jatuporn Prompan and Mr. Adul Khiaoboriboon will also march to the Government House along Nakhon Sawan Road in their effort to oust the Prime Minister.
After that at 5 p.m. Mr. Sombat Boonngam-anong, a political activist who is also known as Bor Kor Lai Chud, and his group will be launching their Car Mob activities – with this being to drive from the Democracy Monument to the Government House and flashing their headlights and blaring the horn as they do so.
Po.l Maj. Gen. Piya said today’s two groups of demonstrators are breaking the law by arranging a flea market for vendors to come in and sell their goods in order to give them an opportunity to earn a living because Bangkok is currently severely hit by coronavirus with gathering of more than 20 persons barred.
He warned that both protest leaders and participants will be prosecuted.
Regarding Sombat group’s plan to noisily drive from Democracy Monument to the Government House tomorrow, Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya they would be violating the Road Traffic Act, and if more than 20 people join in it would be an offense under the emergency decree.
Six companies of policemen, or 900 men, are on hand to take care of today’s rally, and nine companies, or 1,300 men, will control tomorrow’s activities .
So far police have started legal action against 223 protest leaders and participants with 163 cases sent to the prosecutors while 60 are still being processed.
CAPTION:
Pol. Maj. Gen Piya, at right, with Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, standing beside him during a press briefing today. Photo: INN News
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