‘Elephant ticket’ protest at police HQ ends peacefully at 8.30pm
The protest by Ratsadon pro-democracy rallyists in front of the Royal Thai Police Headquarters came to end at 8.30pm on Tuesday.
The group said earlier on their Facebook page that the rally would focus on alleged corruption in the promotion system for senior police officers.
Protesters took turns giving speeches on a stage, mostly focusing on the “elephant ticket”, or the so-called confidential documents used to allegedly buy and sell senior police positions previously pointed out by Move Forward Party MP Rangsiman Rome during a censure debate earlier this month.
The protesters also urged low-ranking police officers to stand against corruption and uphold the ideology of police in protecting the people.
The rallyists had gathered at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district at 5pm, before marching to the Royal Thai Police Headquarters at 7.30pm.
They also demanded the release of four leaders – Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Arnon Nampa, Somyos Prueksakasemsuk and Patiwat “Bank” Saraiyam – who have been charged with lese majeste and sedition after participating in anti-establishment rallies last year.
At 8.30pm, after singing the “Elephant Song”, protest leaders announced the conclusion of their rally and the demonstrators dispersed peacefully.