BANGKOK, 26 December 2013 — The government has lashed protesters for using violence in their attempt to derail the general election scheduled for February 2 next year.
In a live TV broadcast nationwide, Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, in his capacity as Director of the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), accused protesters of “being violent” and “violating the fundamental rights of others” after they had tried to break into the registration venue for the election Thursday morning.
Protesters used a truck to open the gate of the Thai-Japan Youth Center being used as the registration venue and then went on to encircle the building. Consequently, police have enforced their anti-riot procedure so as to protect candidates and members of political parties inside.
Tear gas and rubber bullets were fired as police were trying to disperse the crowd. However, Surapong ensured that authorities would refrain from using excessive forces and every action would be in line with the international standard of anti-riot operation.
