BANGKOK, Dec 4 – Anti-government protesters today rallied at national police headquarters demanding an explanation about police operations resulting in hundreds of injuries as Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra attends an economic ministers’ meeting to assess the impact of the political unrest on the country’s economy.
People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) spokesman Ekanat Prompan said the anti-government protesters rallied at a single location in Bangkok today, which was national police headquarters on Rama 1 Road.
He said that protesters coming from two main rally sites at Democracy Monument and Government House sought to meet national police chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew to question him about what they described as the use of excessive force by police against protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets as well as police inaction during the deadly armed assault at Ramkhamhaeng area which resulted in deaths and injuries.
The protesters later began dispersing and returning to their main rally site at Democracy Monument after submitting a letter to the police chief via his deputy.
Mr Ekanat said the movement will also organise activities to celebrate His Majesty the King’s birthday at their three protest sites of the Democracy Monument, the Government Complex and the Ministry of Finance.
It is reported that protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban remains at the Government Complex with his supporters following rumours of his imminent arrest by police.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck turned up at Government House to chair an economic ministers meeting amid tight security.
This is the premier’s first appearance at her office in several days as anti-government protesters encamped in the surrounding areas.
The meeting today focuses on impact on Thai economy following the political unrest.
Roads around Government House were reopened for commuters as usual and the number of police deployment there has been reduced as situation has eased.
The premier is departing for the seaside resort town of Hua Hin this evening as King Bhumibol Adulyadej is scheduled to grant a public audience and speak on the auspicious occasion of his 86th birthday at Klai Kangwon Palace tomorrow morning.
