Thai police arrest protesters camping out before rallying in Bangkok
14 October, 2020
Police in Thailand has arrested several political activists who planned to camp out at the site of a rally scheduled for Wednesday (Oct 14).
The rally site is along the route the country’s king is likely to travel for an unrelated royal ceremony.
The arrests on Tuesday came after police began to tear down tents set up by the protesters, who had traveled to the administrative center from north-eastern Thailand.
The protesters resisted and pushed back against the authorities, sparking a brawl.
Police said they initially asked the protesters to eliminate the tents, but were refused.
Wednesday’s protest has been called by a coalition of mostly student-led groups that almost a year ago adopted three core demands: New elections, changes in the constitution to make it more democratic, and an end to intimidation of political activists.
The protesters later adopted another major demand, for reform of the monarchy, which they claim does not properly operate within the framework of a democracy.
That demand has caused huge controversy because the royal institution is definitely considered sacrosanct and a pillar of Thai identity.
It is also protected by a lese majeste law that mandates three to 15 years in prison for defaming the monarchy.
One of those arrested was a leading activist, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, better referred to as Pai Dao Din, who was simply imprisoned for two and a half years for lese majeste and violation of the Computer Crime Act.
He received the sentence for sharing online a 2016 biography of King Maha Vajiralongkorn from the Facebook page of the BBC’s Thai-language service.
Kissana Phathanacharoen, the deputy spokesperson for the authorities department, said the demonstrators were being interrogated while police considered what charges they might file.
He said these were likely to face many charges, including defying police orders, violating a public gathering law invoked due to the coronavirus, and obstructing traffic and public roads.
He said he was uncertain just how many were arrested.
Most protest leaders have already been arrested previously on charges ranging from blocking streets to sedition, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison.
Although they have piled-up charges against the protesters, the authorities have generally been careful not to act too harshly against them.
Arrests have usually been made after protesters were summoned to carefully turn themselves in, and in every known case they have already been released on bail.
Tuesday’s remaining protesters made a decision to relocate while they considered their next move.
The protesters have said they do not intend to hinder the passing of the king’s car through the road where they'll hold their rally on Wednesday, however, the authorities have not made clear how they will manage the situation.
Streets are usually cleared along routes traveled by the king.
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