Bangkok police have declared an area within 50 metres of the parliament building off-limits, in anticipation of a mass protest by supporters of the Move Forward party, who are expected to rally to offer moral support to Pita Limjaroenrat, the party leader, when parliament is scheduled to select Thailand’s 30th prime minister tomorrow (Thursday).
The announcement, signed by commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Lt-Gen Thiti Sangsawang, issued by virtue of the Public Assemblies Act, became effective at 6am this morning and lasts until midnight on July 15th.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has opened its administrative centre at Kiak Kai, which is close to parliament, to accommodate the Move Forward party supporters. It has also arranged for mobile toilets and tents for the demonstrators, who are expected to turn out in force.
In addition to the space within the BMA’s Kiak Kai administrative centre, the Bangkok police have set aside one traffic lane and pavement within the centre, on the side of a children’s playground, which is about 710 square metres in size, for public assembly.
Selection of the prime minister by a joint sitting of the House and the Senate is due to start at about 5pm, after a debate by members of the two Houses. Whether Pita will be allowed to present a vision statement is to be decided during the meeting.
