Bangkok –
Pro-democracy activists gathered at Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong Intersection this afternoon, October 31st, for a major demonstration mainly to demand the abolishment of the ‘lèse-majesté’ law or Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
The demonstration, organized by the Ratsadorn group, was scheduled for around 4:00 PM. Prior to the protest time, Bangkok police closed roads nearby the intersection and the Chitlom-Siam skywalk for safety purposes. Groups of law enforcement and a high-pressure water canon were reportedly stationed nearby the site.
At the gathering, a pro-demonstration NPO ‘iLaw’ also set up a booth to seek signatures to submit a petition for the Section 112 abolishment to the Thai parliament. The gathering atmosphere featured anti-government speeches, political mock-up statues, and symbolic performances.
More people flocked into the intersection as of 5:00 PM. Regular protesters were seen coming up on the stage for giving anti-government speeches despite constant heavy rain. The gathering was peaceful but watchful by Bangkok law enforcement.
As of 6:58 PM., Ratsadorn prominent protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul reached the stage to read the group’s statement, mentioning two main demands: granting the right for bail and to release all political prisoners and amending the Criminal Code to revoke Section 112. After that, she also cut her left arm with the number “112”.
According to the organizers, the protest would proceed peacefully for about five hours, did not seek confrontation with any parties, and would conclude at 9:00 PM.
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