Protesters hand Prayut’s representative ‘resignation’ letter for PM to sign
Pro-democracy protesters amassed under the name Ratsadon – which groups the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, Free Youth, Free People, and others – without an official leader on Wednesday evening.
These groups have been using social media to inform the public of the time and sites of various protests, especially in Bangkok.
The United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration group called for a gathering at 4pm at Victory Monument. Later, Ratsadon notified the protesters to prepare to move from Victory Monument to Government House to carry out symbolic activities, which was later revealed to be submitting a letter of resignation for the prime minister to sign.
The head of this procession was led by a volunteer who wore a tear-gas protection outfit. They gradually walked towards Phaya Thai Intersection.
At the intersection, well-known royalist lawyer Nititorn Lamlua stood in front of the masses, demanding that protesters “stop insulting the Monarchy”.
Chaos ensued as the two sides faced off.
The royalist group blocked the road with steel panels and Ratsadon guards negotiated and tried to push ahead.
Ratsadon protesters later closed Petchaburi Road to clear the path for the demonstrators to move down the road. Vehicles had to instead use the bridge over Ratchathewi Intersection instead.
The protesters then came upon police barriers and attempted to break through the barricade at Urupong Intersection to enter Phitsanulok Road heading to Government House. They were able to break through the barriers and head to Yommarat Road.
When they arrived at Phanitchayakan Intersection in front of Government House, police were there with water trucks and crowd-control units.
The situation became tense.
Finally, after negotiations with Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Colonel Attawit Saisueb, they said they would refrain from entering Government House. Shortly later they submitted a “resignation” letter for PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to sign.
After they submitted a “resignation” letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s representative, giving the PM three days to quit. They warned that if Prayut does not resign, they would intensify their protest.