Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Police launch Operation Valentine to clear Rajdamnoen rally site

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: Police this morning launched Operation Valentine to “reclaim public space” from protesters led by the ‘Students and People Network for Thailand’s Reform’ (STR).

Dozens of companies of policemen gathered at the Royal Plaza at 7am before they headed to the Misakawan Intersection to begin the operation.

At 8:26am, police demolished the first line of barriers created by the protesters and then removed sandbag lines.

At 8:29 am, they announced that they needed to clear the road and told protesters not to resist.

Armed with shields, they formed lines and moved forward.

The police started demolishing protesters’ tents on Rajdamnoen Road on the Makkhawan Bridge at 8:48 am.

STR leaders had already moved protesters from the area to avoid any violent clashes.

— Phuket Gazette Editors