At least 25 protesters were taken into police custody this morning (Friday), following clashes with riot-control police on Din Sor Road, near the Democracy Monument, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).
Several police officers, protesters and a Reuters photographer sustained minor injuries as protesters from the “Stop APEC 2022” movement tried to breach a police cordon and march to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, to submit a petition to the APEC leaders meeting there.
At about 1.45pm, police used two cargo containers to block the two-lane Din Sor Road, to prevent protesters from leaving the Lan Khon Mueang Town Square, which was designated as their rally venue by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
TLHR said that those arrested, including Baramee Chairat of the Assembly of the Poor, were later taken to Thung Song Hong police station, where they are expected to be charged.
Tear gas and rubber bullets are reported to have been used against the defiant protesters, as they tried to break through the police cordon. Some of the injured were hit by rubber bullets. Some protesters were forced to return to the town square.
One of the protest leaders, Chamnong Nuphan of the People’s Movement for a Just Society, or P-Move, announced a break for “lunch” as core members huddled in an impromptu meeting to assess the situation.
An ambulance has been put on standby at the town square.
The BMA has allowed the protesters to use the town square for the protest, but has barred them from staying overnight.
