Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Bangkok Shutdown called off

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

Phuket Gazette / The Nation

PHUKET: People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday declared the end of the Bangkok Shutdown.

However, pressure on Shinawatra businesses will be increased, he said.

Rally sites at Rajprasong, Pathumwan and Asoke will be dissolved and moved to Lumpini Park where there are buildings and meeting rooms, Mr Suthep said. He did not mention the rally site at the Government Complex on Chang Wattana Road, which is supervised by a senior monk: Phra Buddha Issara.

“We will stop closing Bangkok and give every intersection back to Bangkokians. We will stop closing Bangkok from Monday. I have to apologise business operators for disruptions to their activities and Bangkokians for making more traffic congestion during the Bangkok Shutdown,” he said.

Mr Suthep explained that he hoped that after all roads are returned, Bangkokians will re-think how important what the PDRC is doing for the country, and join the cause.

“We will escalate our shutdown of government ministries and Shinawatra businesses. I do personally hope the game will be over by March,” Mr Suthep said.

The decision comes after series of deadly attacks on rally sites.

Mr Suthep invited his supporters to join in the opening of Lumpini rally on Sunday.

— Phuket Gazette Editors