Political events banned at Royal Plaza on Saturday

Political events banned at Royal Plaza on Saturday

The Royal Thai Army band rehearses for a live performance at the Royal Plaza on April 29. (Bangkok Post file photo)
The Royal Thai Army band rehearses for a live performance at the Royal Plaza on April 29. (Bangkok Post file photo)

The police have banned any politically-related activities at the Royal Plaza on Saturday, which will mark the 85th anniversary of the overthrow of the absolute monarchy by Khana Ratsadon (the People’s Party).

The police held a meeting on Wednesday morning to prepare for any eventualities on Saturday.

Pol Maj Gen Panurat Lakboon, Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the police had been informed that there are about five groups planning activities that day, including a conference to be attended by students and academics.

He said organisers are still allowed to proceed with activities that were held last year, and the police would help facilitate and provide security for the events. 

However, the Royal Plaza will need to be cleaned, and live music will be performed to entertain the public as usual on Saturday evening.

The only permitted activities are those that pay respect to King Rama V, whose statue is situated at the centre of the plaza. Cyclists will also be allowed to exercise.

“The public are requested not to hold political activities," said Pol Maj Gen Panurat. "If there is any such activity, the police will strictly enforce the law based on Order No.3/2015 of the National Council for Peace and Order.” 

One clause of the order bans political gatherings of more than five people unless they receive prior permission. Violators of the order face a maximum of six months in jail, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.

The Royal Plaza has long been a landmark for political development in Thailand. A plaque marks the spot where a statement declaring the end of the absolute monarchy was read out in 1936.

In April, the original plaque was replaced by a new one with a different script, stirring public debate about the significance of the change.

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