The Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) on Monday warned vocational students joining its anti-government rally to refrain from violence after a duty police officer was attacked by young people wielding flag sticks.
Speaking at a press conference, NSPRT coordinator Utai Yodmanee warned that such behaviour was inappropriate and damaged the image of the group.
The NSPRT told students that they have one last chance to behave if they want to be a part of the protest.
Protest leaders would report perpetrators of violence to the police if anything similar happens again, Mr Utai said.
On Saturday, a policeman was assaulted by what was believed to be a group of vocational students as they joined the NSPRT’s march to enter a restricted zone to place a flag at Chamai Maruchet bridge near Government House.
Pol Snr Sgt Maj Chatri Khachonphet was reportedly attacked by five people and sustained minor injuries. The brawl was quickly stopped by NSPRT key members who announced through speakers: "Please do not hurt officers or you will be viewed as ill-minded people."
Network adviser Nitithorn Lamlua on Sunday accused the police of trying to provoke protesters during the incident.
Mr Nitithorn said he and the demonstrators met with a line of police officers when they arrived at the Nang Loeng intersection. He ordered his group to keep their distance and went to negotiate with a senior police officer in charge of the checkpoint to ask for permission to pass through.
“The officer told me to order our protesters to push through but I refused and asked him to let us walk past normally,” he said.
Mr Nitithorn said he believed the officer purposely issued an unclear order to his subordinates by giving NSPRT permission to pass through but not communicating that fact to his colleagues, in order to create a confrontation.
“The officer informed us that he would let us in. However, he did not issue the order to the men on his left and right and this led to the pushing between protesters and officers. If he didn't provoke and issue an unclear order, such incident would not have occurred,” Mr Nitithorn said.
Deputy chief of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Adul Narongsak denied Mr Nitithorn’s accusation, saying television footage clearly showed the police being attacked by the protesters.
He said officers at the intersection tried to tell protesters that the spot where they wanted to place their national flags was restricted under the Internal Security Act (ISA). However, the group ignored them and some used flag sticks to hit one of the policemen.
“I want to inform the protesters who assaulted the police officer on duty that such behaviour was inappropriate and they were breaching the law. Legal action will be taken against them, even though the officer who was attacked does not want to lodge a complaint," Pol Maj Gen Adul said.
He urged demonstrators to refrain from using violence and carry out peaceful rallies.