Capital braces for day of rallies

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) yesterday advised motorists to avoid certain roads where large gatherings are set to take place today during rallies being staged by groups demanding the government stands down.

Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaengek said yesterday that from 11am Lan Luang, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Rama V and Nakhon Pathom roads and areas around Government House were likely to be hotspots.

From 1pm, Ratchadamnoen Klang, Lan Luang, Rama VI, Kamphaeng Phet, Phahon Yothin, Ratchadaphisek, Asok Montri, Sukhumvit and Phloenchit roads were also likely to be lined with protesters, he said.

Pol Maj Gen Jirasan said that the Prachachon Khon Thai (Thai people) group will meet at Uruphong Intersection, while the Thai Mai Thon (Impatient Thais) group will meet at Phan Fa Lilat Intersection, before marching on Government House.

Red-shirt activist Sombat Boonngam-anong is also staging “vehicle flash mobs” on routes nearby or directly outside the headquarters of the Democrat, Bhumjaithai and Palang Pracharath parties and Action Coalition for Thailand, culminating at Ratchaprasong Intersection where the groups will reiterate their main demand for the government to step down.

The Prachachon Khon Thai group is led by Nititorn Lamlua, a former co-leader of the now-defunct proestablishment “yellow-shirt” People’s Democratic Reform Committee while the Thai Mai Thon group is led by Adul Khiaoboriboon, chairman of the Heroic Committee of May ’35.