FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Traffic back to normal at Ratchaprasong after six hours of pro-democracy protests

Traffic back to normal at Ratchaprasong after six hours of pro-democracy protests

The Ratchaprasong intersection reopened for traffic late at night on Thursday after pro-democracy protesters dispersed and officials cleared the areas of "suspicious objects".

Thursday’s protest by the group that calls itself Khana Ratsadon 2563 (People’s Party 2020) at the Ratchaprasong intersection kicked off at 3.30pm. The protesters formed a “human wall” to defend themselves against police who were empowered by the newly imposed emergency rule.
The rally lasted for about six hours, without violent clashes between authorities and the participants. Protest leaders gave speeches demanding the release of dozens of activists arrested in recent days.
The leaders called off the protest and told everyone to return on Friday when it started raining at around 9.40pm.

Traffic back to normal at Ratchaprasong after six hours of pro-democracy protests

After the protesters dispersed, police officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit as well as K-9 dogs began to scour the area for suspicious objects.

Traffic back to normal at Ratchaprasong after six hours of pro-democracy protests

After officials confirmed that the areas were safe, they signalled Bangkok’s cleaning staff to come in and pick up the waste as well as clean the road and pavement of banners left behind by the protesters.

Traffic back to normal at Ratchaprasong after six hours of pro-democracy protests

Traffic on the Ratchaprasong intersection as well as on the connecting Rama I and Rajdamri roads had returned to normal at 11.30pm.

Related Story: Protesters disperse but vow to return for Bangkok rally on Friday

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