A political protest group has organised a rally in Bangkok this evening, to protest against senators who claim they will not vote for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat to be the next PM. The United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration will gather at Parliament House, in the Dusit district of the capital, where the Senate will hold an extraordinary session from 9.00am.
The young protesters are the same groups who were leading street protests around Bangkok back in 2020 and 2021.
Nation Thailand reports that the purpose of the meeting is to approve new members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the State Audit Commission, as well as officials who will investigate the personal, criminal, and ethical records of those members, who are all candidates from independent organisations.
The UFTD took to social media to confirm the planned rally, sharing a banner on Facebook that states, “Senators must not oppose people’s resolution”. The photo has been widely shared by netizens, including supporters of the Move Forward Party, who won the May 14 general election.
Protesters are invited to gather at the Boon Rawd side of Parliament House between 5.00pm and 8.00pm this evening. Organisers say the rally should serve as a reminder to the 250 senators involved in voting for Thailand’s prime minister that they must not ignore the will of the people. The group used the term “opposers of democratic principles” in reference to senators who say they won’t vote for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat.
According to the report, Bang Sue Police Station has been notified of this evening’s rally and is expected to deploy around 450 crowd control officers, along with steel barricades to prevent protesters entering Parliament House.
Meanwhile, rally organisers say there will be a 3-metre-wide stage with loudspeakers and around 100 activists. However, they say there will be no marches or disruption to traffic. The rally is expected to kick off at around 3.00pm and finish by 10.00pm.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
