Over 1,000 police officers set to deal with protest today at MBK Skywalk
Police are set to deploy seven companies comprising 1,085 officers at MBK Skywalk over Pathumwan Intersection on Wednesday to handle the protest rally planned by the Ratsadon pro-democracy group from 5pm, Deputy Metropolitan Police chief Pol Maj-General Piya Tawichai said.
“Three of the companies will deal with crowd control, while the other four will come from Metropolitan Police divisions 5 and 6,” he announced.
“The main mission of the officers is to ensure public safety and prevent the situation from escalating. Initially only one or two companies of crowd-control police will be deployed, while additional companies will stand ready in case the situation escalates,” Piya said.
He added that public gathering is currently prohibited under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations, which has been in effect to prevent Covid-19 from spreading further.
Ratsadon planned the rally for Wednesday after the Criminal Court on Tuesday denied bail to four of its leaders – Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Arnon Nampa, Somyos Prueksakasemsuk and Patiwat “Bank” Saraiyam – who have been charged with lese majeste and sedition because of their participation in anti-establishment rallies last year.
A group of Ratsadon protesters gathered at MBK Skywalk on Tuesday evening, urging the court to release the leaders, before peacefully dispersing at around 8pm.