The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order will use the police to retake five rally sites occupied by People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protesters this week and there will be no more talks since previous attempts had failed, CMPO director Chalerm Yubamrung announced on Sunday.
A rally stage on Chaeng Watthana Road is among five sites to be retaken by the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
Mr Chalerm's announcement was made in a press conference televised live on Channels 9 and 11.
He said one of the areas to be cleared is the vicinity of Government House including Orathai bridge, Chamaimaruchet bridge and Suan Miksakawan intersection where PDRC protesters have blocked officials from entering their offices.
Protest leader Luang Pu Buddha Issala would be asked to move PDRC supporters away from the Chaeng Wattana rally site or be subject to severe legal action.
A rally would no longer be allowed on Ratchadamnoen Avenue from Makhawan Rangsan bridge to Phan Fa bridge.
The protesters at the Interior Ministry would be asked to move out.
And the occupied area at the Energy Ministry must be retaken since the protesters had caused trouble for the people, he said.
Police forces would be used to retake these five spots. If met with resistance by protest guards, who are said to be armed, the police might have to use guns to protect themselves, Mr Chalerm said.
Since talks had been held without success about 10 times so far, there would not be any more. The protesters should move to the rally site of PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban, he said.
Mr Chalerm pleaded for public understanding, saying the government had exercised restraint and patience.
Therefore, in the coming week there must be no more PDRC protests at these five spots, he said.