Thailand’s protests set to resume as 10pm deadline for PM to resign approaches

Anti-government protesters have set the deadline for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to quit at 10pm tonight, before escalating their protest.

One of the protest leaders, Chatupat Boonpathararaksa, alias Pai Daodin, told the media this morning that he would like all people to propose models for their future protests, to ensure public participation, adding that speeches to be delivered tonight will focus on issues related to the Prime Minister.

The protesters have defied a request from Thung Song Hong police to disperse. The police claim that the protesters’ occupation of the road and area in front of Bangkok Remand Prison is illegal.

Similar protests are set to be held at a several places in Bangkok and other provinces.

Meanwhile, the Appeals Court rejected bail requests today (Saturday) by three prominent protest leaders, on the grounds that they may repeat similar offences if they were to be released.

Police, from the Second Division of Metropolitan Police Bureau, have been deployed to the protest site, to maintain peace and order.

Three protest leaders are still being held on remand. They are Parit “Penguin” Chivarak, Panasaya “Rung” Sitthijirawattanakul and Panupong Jardnok, alias Mike Rayong.

The trio were charged with inciting unrest, in accordance with Section 116 of the Criminal Code, and violations of the Archaeological Venues Act, related to the protests at Thammasat University and Sanam Luang on September 19^th.

Separately, the Appeals Court rejected a bail application by Somyot Prueksakasemsook, a former Red-Shirt core member, for his involvement in the same September 19^th protests.

On the other side of Thailand’s widening political divide, pro-Monarchy rallies were held today in Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Chainat, Loei and Kamphaeng Phet provinces.

Wearing yellow shirts, the demonstrators vowed loyalty to the Monarch and support for the Prime Minister. The demonstrators also voiced opposition to, what they branded as, offensive acts against the Monarchy, allegedly committed by some of the anti-government protesters.