Coup opponents took to the streets for the third consecutive day yesterday, defying the military junta's order banning political gatherings of more than five people.
Anti-coup protesters wear masks bearing the face of political activist Sombat Boonngam-anong during the demonstration in Ratchaprasong area yesterday. Mr Sombat has publicly defied an order to report to the military junta. THITI WANNAMONTHA
Hundreds of protesters, many of them holding placards with messages denouncing the coup-makers, pushed against lines of soldiers in front of Amarin Plaza near Ratchaprasong Intersection yesterday afternoon, as troops were ordered to move in to contain the demonstration.
A brief tussle erupted after a military supporter blew a whistle at the anti-coup demonstrators, angering the protesters who pushed in and tried to grab her from behind the military lines.
The woman, identified only as Porntipa or Fah, was later whisked away in an ambulance.
Some photographers and demonstrators suffered minor injuries during the scuffle.
The protesters had earlier in the day rallied in front of the United States Embassy on Wireless Road, but had been asked by the military to move away from the American diplomatic mission after their gathering disrupted road traffic.
The group later moved to Phloenchit Road before seizing an area in front of the Amarin Plaza building to air their views against the military coup.
The presence of the protesters forced the Bangkok Transit System Co, the operator of the city's skytrain service, to close Ploenchit and Ratchaprasong stations to avoid possible problems for commuters.
The protesters later in the afternoon moved on to rally at Victory Monument, where the BTS station was also promptly closed.
The military has warned anti-coup demonstrators against protesting on the streets, saying it could not allow freedom of expression in such a manner because "the democratic process cannot proceed as usual at the moment".
The warning was made in a statement from army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha and read out by National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesman Winthai Suvaree.
Gen Prayuth, who is also NCPO chief, said the military junta had taken over administrative power of the country not because it wants to protect the interests of any particularly individual but to defend the happiness to all Thais.
It also wanted to restore international confidence in Thailand's stability, he said.
"May I request that all civilians, police, and soldiers be patient, sacrifice [their convenience], and accept the principles for eradicating conflicts in the country," Gen Prayuth said. "The military's action may affect all people to some extent, yet all sides need to join hands in this effort, otherwise Thailand will become a failed state and no one will be happy."
Gen Prayuth also warned those using social media to provoke the unrest to stop, and urged the mainstream media to reduce or be more careful about publishing interviews or criticism which may offend others, particularly state officials who were performing their jobs.