Anti-government protesters agreed to reopen some roads for traffic in exchange for more measures provided by security authorities to ensure their safety.
Pedestrains cross the Rama VIII Bridge on Thursday to avoid heavy traffic on the inbound section due to the rally site of the PDRC on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. (Photo by Krit Phromsakla Na Sakolnakorn)
Two days after declaring martial law, security forces are targetting some areas having been occupied by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to end traffic nightmares for road users.
Talks led by the army and Metropolitan Police Bureau took place at City Hall and the air force met with Luang Pu Buddha Isara of the PDRC at his base on Chaeng Wattana Road. The meetings was convince protesters at least to be flexible on their occupation.
The PDRC based on Ratchadamnoen Avenue agreed to temporarily open three intersections from 5.30am to 6pm starting Thursday, according to the meeting.
They are Jor Por Ror and Pracha Kasem intersections, Din Sor Road and Ratchadamnoen Avenue from Khok Wua intersection to the Democracy Monument.
The reopening of Jor Por Ror intersection will clear the way for better flow of traffic in both directions for drivers using the Rama VIII Bridge. Inbound traffic of the bridge to Wisutkasat Intersection is congested. The outbound lanes are closed due to the road block at Jor Por Ror.
Col Narongphan Jitkaewthae, the 1st Division, King's Guard, deputy commander, who represented the Peace and Order Maintaining Command in the meeting, said more soldiers and police would be deployed in the areas to soothe safety concern of the protesters after roads are reopened during daytime.
The command stepped in as the rallies on Ratchadamnoen caused problems for road users and students after they return to schools.
Students at Satri Witthaya, Wat Sommanas Vihara, Wat Pari Nayok and Wat Makutkasatriyaram schools have trouble going to their classrooms due to the road blockades.
Tinnakorn Plodplai, a PDRC representative in the meeting, admitted that the problems of the road blockades but they were necessary due to concern about the safety of protesters. The PDRC tried to limit the problem for students and road users, he added.
In another meeting on Chaeng Wattana, the protest monk also agreed to hand over the inbound section of Chaeng Wattana to authorities but still keep the outbound direction for their rally stage.
Luang Pu said he did not want to pose problems when the country is under martial law. The group also received cooperation from soldiers to ensure safety for them, he added.