Protesters disobeyed the ban, continued to demonstrate in Bangkok

The protesters reiterated their demands for political change including the resignation of the prime minister, the dissolution of parliament, constitutional amendments and reform of the monarchy. -File image

BANGKOK: Thousands of protesters gathered at three locations in Bangkok thus denying a ban on participating in demonstrations on the fifth day.

Armed with brief notices from the organizers, protesters gathered at the Kasetsart intersection in Bangkok and the Ministry of Public Health's Metropolitan Railway Transit (MRT) station.

They also gathered at the Bangkok Remand Prison where student leaders and activists were detained.

The protesters reiterated their demands for political change including the resignation of the prime minister, the dissolution of parliament, constitutional amendments and reform of the monarchy.

The organizers of today's demonstration did not announce the venue in advance to avoid the intervention of the authorities.

At the same time, demonstrations are also planned to be held in other provinces including Nakhon Pathom, Buriram, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha declared that there was a 'Serious Emergency Situation in Bangkok' to ban the gathering of five or more people effective at 4 am (local time) in an effort to end a three-day student-led street protest. moon.

In addition, it also prohibits the publication of news and other messages online that could affect national security and cause concern or spread false information.

Meanwhile, local media reported that the Court of Appeal today allowed at least 21 protesters detained between Oct 13 and 16 during the bail protests in Bangkok.

Three student leaders, Parit Chivarak, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Nutchanon Pairoj are expected to be released tomorrow.