Police are asking the public to avoid the area around the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district, where supporters of the Move Forward party will hold a rally this evening (Friday) in protest over party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s failure to become prime minister.

They blame Pita’s loss on the Senate, who harshly criticised Pita and Move Forward on Thursday for insisting that the country’s lèse majesté law must be amended.

The rally will start at 6pm. Police say that the public and motorists should avoid the approaches to Pathumwan intersection, near which the Arts Centre is located.

The rally is being held in downtown Bangkok during Friday evening rush hour, so the already heavy traffic is expected to worsen.

Police advise people to avoid Rama I Road (from Chalermpao-Charoen Pon intersections) and Phaya Thai Road (from Ratchathewi-Chula 12 intersections)

Motorists can use Phetchaburi, Bantadthong, Rama 4, Henri Dunant and Wireless roads instead.