Police, protesters hug, make up

Police, protesters hug, make up

After two days of heavy clashes, anti-government demonstrators and riot police suddenly turned from foes to friends yesterday when officers agreed to let protesters into the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) and Government House compounds.

Police remove concrete barriers at Pol 1 intersection with a crane to clear the way for anti-government protesters to enter the Metropolitan Police Bureau. APICHART JINAKUL

Police who fired tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets at the protesters to keep them away from the concrete barriers erected to safeguard the MPB at Pol 1 intersection and Government House at Chamai Maruchet bridge yesterday helped the protesters remove the barriers instead.

The sudden change of stance came after Metropolitan Police chief Khamronwit Thoopkrachang issued instructions in the morning to cease using tear gas and to open all barriers.

Pol Lt Gen Khamronwit said he did not want to see injuries or deaths on either side.

Protesters at Pol 1 intersection and Chamai Maruchet bridge who managed to get inside the barricades received a warm welcome from police.

The officers even applauded the protesters in a show of moral support.

The protesters, who over the past two days had attacked police by throwing rocks and water bottles, yesterday gave the officers flowers and whistles as tokens of friendship.

The former enemies shook hands, took photos, chatted and even hugged each other, while some police and protesters stood in a group and sang the national anthem together.

"Let us take care of it. We will clear all [barriers] for you. We will bring a heavy machine to remove them," a police officer told protesters as they continued their attempts to demolish the concrete ramparts at Chamai Maruchet bridge late yesterday morning.

Pol Col Aisoon Singhanat, deputy Chaiyaphum police chief, who was seen provoking and verbally taunting the protesters throughout the clashes on Monday, also transformed into a friendly figure.

He smiled and politely greeted protesters as they arrived at the MPB.

Pol Snr Sgt Maj Boonmee Chanapichit, who has been stationed at Pol 1 intersection over the past 10 days, said he was glad the clashes were over.

He said he was not angry the protesters had called the police officers "servants" of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"We have different opinions, but we are all Thais," said the policeman from Chaiyaphum, who was busy smiling and shaking hands with anti-government demonstrators.

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