THAIS from various activist groups and among them Buddhist monks joined Ukrainians in holding an anti-war demonstration in front of the Russian embassy today, (Mar. 19), Matichon newspaper said.
Representatives of June 24 Democracy, Labour Socialist and Mok Luang groups plus Workers Union kicked off their protest in front of the Russian embassy on Sap Road, Bang Rak district, at 4 p.m. with this to end at 7 p.m.
At 3.35 p.m. a team of 30 police officers, among them female officers, moved in to control the situation and soon after that some Buddhist monks carrying placards got off a van at Siamese Surawong Hotel, which is opposite the embassy, to launch the protest.
At 3.39 p.m. around eight Ukrainians in Thailand arrived and brought vinyl banners and photos of the death and destruction caused by the Russian invasion which they placed on the sidewalk wall opposite the embassy.
At 3.53 p.m. the seven Buddhist monks, novices and nuns rolled out their mats in front of the Russian embassy and rang bells with members of the Socialist Workers’ Organisation arriving just then and displayed placards calling for an end to the war.
Phra Phitsanu said this is an impromptu demonstration to express the resolution of the people of the world that there must be peace, not war, while calling for world peace as soon as possible. All sides, including Russia, Ukraine and Nato, were urged to unconditionally end the war.
At 4.10 p.m. Mr. Somyot Prueksakasemsuk and members fthe June 24 Democracy Group accompanied by Mr. Sam Samat, or Art, a stateless activist, arrived with protesters from other activist groups joining them.
By this time there were over a hundred Thais and Ukrainians demonstrating and shouting “No war.”
Sam then started painting the colours of the Ukrainian flag on the face of some protesters amid speeches and musical performance. Some protesters sprayed messages on the zebra crossing including “Stop war” “Save Ukraine.”
Somyot said there will be a highlight at 7 p.m.
CAPTION:
The demonstration outside the Russian embassy in Bangkok today. Photos: Matichon
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