A small gathering of anti-coup protesters was quickly dispersed on Friday in Bangkok, while key figures who opposed the former Yingluck Shinawatra government staged an event without incident in Surat Thani.
Former PDRC leader Phra Suthep speaks to supporters in Surat Thani on Friday. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
Some students, relatives and red-shirt activists who support the former Yingluck government tried to lay wreaths to remember taxi driver Nuamthong Praiwal, who hanged himself from a footbridge on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near the headquarters of the newspaper Thai Rath.
Nuamthong was said to have committed suicide in a protest against the Sept 19, 2006 coup that toppled the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, Ms Yingluck's elder brother.
Police and soldiers were present at the site to block Friday's gathering. The authorities allowed only a few people to lay wreaths at the location and had them leave quickly.
"Political" gatherings of more than five people are still banned under martial law imposed by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
In Chaiya district of Surat Thani, meanwhile, key members of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) staged an ordination of novices and monks. Friday was the first anniversary of the start of their fight against the Yingluck government which led to the military coup on May 22.
The ceremony took place at Wat Than Namlai (Suan Mok Khapalaram). Former PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban is now a monk based at the temple.
About 500 PDRC members and leaders attended the event, where a total of 136 men were being ordained as a gesture to make merit for those killed in the protests that preceded the coup.
Among those present were senior PDRC figures Sathit Wongnongtoey, Issara Somchai, Phuttiphong Punnakan, Akanat Prompan and Anchalee Paireerak.
Phra Suthep told the gathering that patience and tolerance were a key feature of the PRDC's campaign. He also urged his listeners to let go of the bitter past and focus on making merit and to practise Dhamma for their own sake.
Authorities block activists from laying wreaths to remember an anti-coup protester who hanged himself in 2006. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)