Thai protesters gather in Bangkok for 5th day in defiance of ban
19 October, 2020
Protesters returned to the streets of Bangkok for the fifth straight day in coordinated demonstrations on Sunday (Oct 18) to keep their call for an end to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government.
Despite a crisis decree banning public gatherings, the rallies started at 4 pm local time at the Victory Monument, Asoke, and Tha Phra MRT station in the capital.
Protest organizers had called on Sunday morning for demonstrators to be ready at any BTS Skytrain station near their residence by 3 pm local time but didn't disclose further information regarding the gathering sites, in order to avoid blockades by the authorities.
At about 2.30 pm, authorities announced the temporary closure of several BTS Skytrain and MRT underground stations, as well as walkways between buildings and stations in the affected areas.
Around 4 pm, several a huge selection of protesters gathered in the rain at Victory Monument, the primary protest site, carrying umbrellas and wearing rain jackets. Traffic around the region also slowed up as more persons joined the rally.
Protesters at the Victory Monument on Oct 18, 2020. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
Despite lacking proper audio system and mobile stages, protesters shouted short phrases like "reform the monarchy” and “Prayut, get out”. These were also seen trying to stop the police from adding barricades at the website.
Driven by a coalition of youth groups from across Thailand, the movement has become somewhat leaderless as the majority of the protest leaders have already been apprehended by police.
Bangkok has been under circumstances of emergency since 4 am on Tuesday, yet protesters in Bangkok have defied the government’s orders, which prohibit any action that could instigate unrest.
Publication of news and electronic information with messages that could instill fear among the general public, intentionally distort facts or cause misunderstanding that would affect national security, or peace and order can be forbidden.
The order was issued by the prime minister to control anti-government protesters.
Volunteer guards at Victory Monument sit on the road behind barricades, ready for just about any police clearance operations. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
According to police, checking in at protest sites on social media or sharing selfies while in the areas could cause legal action.
“Police enforcement this time around is in compliance with laws, international standards, and human rights, in order to maintain peace and order for everyone,” said police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen in a press conference on Sunday.
At 8.20 pm, protest organizers announced that the rally at Victory Monument has ended.
On Saturday, the authorities turn off much of the city's transport system in a bid to thwart protesters from gathering.
However, mass crowds were able to hold demonstrations for a number of hours in three different areas, like the Lat Phrao intersection, Udomsuk, and Wongwian Yai. Police did not intervene on Saturday and the protesters dispersed after a long time.
With many of the key leaders detained, demonstrators on Saturday took turns giving short speeches.
Besides Bangkok, more rallies are also held in several provinces.
Police have dispersed their protests twice, first on Thursday, and later on Friday at the Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok’s business district.
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