Up to 1,000 expected to join pro-election rally
Security authorities estimated that around 500-1,000 people would join the pro-election demonstration scheduled on Monday at Thammasat University, a security source said.
They believe that hundreds of people from the provinces will be among those joining the rally.
The pro-election activists, led by the Democracy Restoration Group, announced plans to assemble at the university at 5pm on Monday and remain there overnight, before marching to Government House on Tuesday morning.
They plan to give Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha an ultimatum to hold an election this year, instead of next February as promised by the premier.
Twenty companies of police, including plain-clothes officers, have been deployed to keep order during the demonstration on Monday to Tuesday.
The source said Army commander-in-chief General Chalermchai Sitthisart had expressed concern over a “third party” stirring up a situation, after authorities found movements of hardcore protesters.
Chalermchai had ordered a close watch from 7pm to 5am on Monday through Wednesday as he feared ill-intentioned people would “create a situation”, the source added.