Although without its leader, Jatuporn Prompan, who was escorted back to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence, the anti-government “Thai Mai Thon” (Impatient Thais) political group announced today (Friday) that they will join the “car mob” rally tomorrow, at and around the Democracy Monument, to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Led by Adul Khiewboriboon, of the “Black May 35” heroes committee, the “Thai Mai Thon” group announced that it will not stop its campaign, even without its leader.
Adul questioned the court’s order, sending Jatuporn back to prison to serve his remaining 11 months and 16 days, calling it unprecedented in the Thai justice system, claiming that prison officials had prematurely released Jatuporn due to a miscalculation of the prison term to be served.
A former Red Shirt leader, Jatuporn was found guilty on two charges of defaming former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in 2017. He was freed in 2018 after having served one-year in one of the two cases but, in the other case, the court ruled that he still has 11 months and 16 days left to serve.
The “car mob” protest is led by political activist Sombat Boonngarm-anong. The two groups held protests near the Government House last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Bureau issued a warning to motorists today, to avoid roads which may be affected by the protests. These include:
- Democracy Monument
- Arun Amarin intersection
- Pan Fah intersection
- Ratchadamnoen Klang
- Phra Pinklao bridge
- Lan Luang
- Saphan Khao
- Uruphong
- Rama 6
- Kamphaeng Phet
- Pahonyothin
- Lat Phrao intersection
- Ratchadapisek
- Asoke Montri
Any motorists who have questions about which roads to avoid, or about alternative routes to use, can call 1197 or can download the traffic map at Facebook 1197 or the Police Traffic News Line app.
