For the next month, Bangkok will be in a “State of Emergency” with a ban on public gatherings of more than 5 people. If protests persist and get out of hand, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned today that the government will invoke a nightly curfew, prohibiting people from leaving their homes during certain hours.
It should be said, that even though this decree is now in place it is unlikely to impede any of Bangkok’s day to day traffic and activities and you shouldn’t hesitate to visit the capital if you’re in the country and plans for doing so. We will be able to keep track of any planned protests and keep you alert of any places to avoid.
The order, imposed early Thursday morning at 4am, led to the breaking up of a pro-democracy demonstration by police armed with riot gear. Protesters started at Democracy Monument on Wednesday early afternoon and headed towards Government House to set up camp in an effort to pressure Prayut to resign. More than 20 people have so far been arrested and face charges of violating the emergency decree and holding an illegal demonstration.
In announcement from the cabinet secretariat office, the emergency decree was issued because leaders of the group “Khana Rassadorn 2563,” which means “People’s Party 2020,” violated public gathering related laws and incited unrest, noting the complications during the royal motorcade which was happening along the same route as Wednesday’s protest.
The rally also affected measures to contain the coronavirus, the announcement said, adding that another outbreak would affect the country’s “fragile” economy.
The emergency decree didn’t stop people yesterday. Thousands, possibly 15,000 to 20,000 (there’s no official head count), gathered at Ratchaprasong intersection to continue the protest that had been shut down at the Government House.
Protesters planned to gather at Ratchaprasong intersection again today, but police have blocked the road.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
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Fantastic job Tu. This will do wonders for the desperately needed economic recovery. Shades of every myopic dictator from Ceaucescu to Gaddafi and Hussain. When dictatorships fail to see the reality staring them in the face the end is close at hand.
We’ll at least there aren’t any tourists left to scare.
Well, two of those stayed in power for 25 years, the third for over 40 …..
This is the worry… the CCP has form on footing the bill to obstruct the will of the people, at home and abroad.
To be extended indefinitely like the emergency decree. Another 2 bit dictator
The protestors can just gather somewhere else.
They are all in touch by cell phone.
Prayut’s government won’t be around much longer. When a government starts threatening the country’s peacefully protesting children with military-style police tactics and armored vehicles bought from overseas, it is usually weeks or months before a government falls.
Prayut has been backed into a corner and, like the rabid dog he is, he will continue to bite until he is stopped. At this point, with Thailand’s collapsing economy and ever-increasing pro-democracy protests, I give him weeks not months.
Yes all suffered an unexpected violent death. Ceaucescu wept like a baby before they killed him.
This Thai PM better flee now with his monetary gain while in power, or suffer the same fate.
Well, just wait until the rest of the country gets involved in the protests. These demonstrators are small in numbers compared to what it will be like when places like Issan and the North get involved. Look for exponential escalation before year’s end. Water guns with chemicals won’t stop the demonstrations. They’ll only make them larger. This won’t end pretty, I’m afraid to say.
I moved from Bangkok in 2014 during the last coup. When I personally saw them fire a rocket in front of the big C by Centralworld it hit a Turk tuck killing a family. How many will die this time, this now involves the prime minister and the monarchy,, it’s unprecedented, this will not be peaceful. Unfortunately for Thailand there will be Thai blood being spilled in the streets of the capital once again. Hope Buddha can protect all because that’s the only hope left for this country, there is none to intervene now only the divine, bless all for a safe and peaceful transition to what’s next.