More than 6,000 troops and police will be deployed to brace for anti-coup demonstrators planning gatherings at eight locations in Bangkok and Samut Prakan today.
SEND IN THE CLOWN: Staff at a McDonald’s outlet at Amarin Plaza near Ratchaprasong intersection move a mascot inside after the shopping mall announced it would be closed today.
Deputy police chief Somyot Poompanmoung said yesterday 19 companies of soldiers and 19 companies of police — a total of 6,100 officers — will be dispatched to handle the gatherings.
He said intelligence suggests anti-coup protesters will hold gatherings today at the Ratchaprasong intersection, King Taksin Monument, Laksi Monument roundabout, areas near CentralPlaza Bangna, Theparak intersection in Samut Prakan, Victory Monument, Democracy Monument and areas near Seacon Square.
Chaloem Phao, Phloenchit and Ratchadamri roads at Big C and AUA Language Centre, which surround Ratchaprasong intersection, will be blocked to keep the protesters out, he said.
A roadblock will be set up to check those who pass through Ratchaprasong areas today. Hotel guests will be assisted by hotel staff at the checkpoints, Pol Gen Somyot said.
The skywalk linking shopping centres in the Ratchaprasong area will be also blocked from 9am, while the BTS SkyTrain will not stop at Chit Lom, Phloen Chit or Ratchadamri stations.
Pol Gen Somyot also warned the owners of locations where anti-coup activities are planned that they could face legal action for aiding civil unrest under the National Council for Peace and Order's 49th directive.
Red-shirt activist Sombat Boonngam-anong announced in a Facebook message he planned to change rally venues to avoid authorities.
Pol Gen Somyot responded by saying mobile military units will be on standby and troops would be able to deal with emerging situations promptly.
The troops will enforce the law swiftly by arresting protesters who break the martial law, while police will support the military work, he said. Pol Gen Somyot said protesters can no longer claim their constitutional right to stage gatherings because the charter had already been abrogated.
Pol Gen Somyot said he had also instructed his subordinates to quickly apprehend Mr Sombat along with Pathum Thani red-shirt leader and radio host Wuthipong Kachathamkun, better known as Koh Tee, and Ekapop Luara, or Tang Archiva, for lese majeste charges. The three are still at large.
In an announcement posted on Mr Sombat's Facebook page on Friday, his group will stage what it said is a party to "celebrate" the coup. He asked protesters to wear masks and hold placards.
"Troops would possibly seal off the areas around the McDonald's restaurant and Ratchaprasong intersection. If the number of people mounts ... we will see if we can besiege the area," the message reads.
Meanwhile, police yesterday arrested a man holding an anti-coup placard around the McDonald's store in Ratchaprasong about 1pm. The arrest came after another anti-coup group, known as "Election Day", called for a gathering at the restaurant around noon to demand an election. No protesters showed up at Victory Monument.
Another anti-coup group, called "Thailand Open Day", announced they will stage rallies in eight locations in Bangkok and Samut Prakan and some provincial halls.
Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Bangkok will be closed today and reopen tomorrow. CentralWorld will open from 2pm to 10pm today. The Platinum Fashion Mall will open as usual.
Permanent secretary for the interior, Wibul Sanguanpong, reportedly sent letters to provincial governors to prepare for the demonstrations today.
Australia yesterday banned Thailand's coup leaders from visiting the country and downgraded military ties. It is the country's first sanctions against the junta.
