Anti-establishment Ratsadon protesters held two separate rallies in Bangkok and neighboring Nonthaburi today.
In Nonthaburi province, hawkers arrived in front of the government complex as early as 2pm, to reserve their pitch before the arrival of protesters.
Chinnawat Chankrachang, a leader of the youth network in the province, arrived later to prepare for a procession, featuring yellow duck mascots and alien toys. The march stopped in front of the government complex, where they set up a stage for speakers.
The usually busy Khae Rai intersection was closed to traffic, causing extreme inconvenience to many motorists, who had been unaware of the protest in advance.
In Samrong district of Samut Prakan, widely known as a stronghold of the Pheu Thai party, protesters, who include local residents, started gathering it the front courtyard of the Imperial World Samrong shopping mall at about 4pm.
A long sheet of white cloth and white sheets of paper were placed on the courtyard, on which protesters could write political messages. Speakers addressing the crowd repeated the three Ratsadon group demands, for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the writing of a new Constitution and reform of the Monarchy.
At about 6pm, the protesters, led by Artitya Pornprom, started tomarch to Bang Na intersection, where they plan to rally until late tonight. Sections of Sukhumvit Road are closed to traffic, as protesters occupy the thoroughfare.
