BANGKOK, 18 September 2013 The national police has indicated that there is a tendency for escalation of the rubber farmers’ demonstration in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
National police spokesman, Police Major General Piya Uthayo showed press members images of a man in police uniform who went about setting fire to police vehicles at the demonstration site in Khuan Nong Hong, Nakhon Si Thammarat. According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya, the man was not a police officer and he had stolen the uniform from a police vehicle.
Police said it is believed there are attempts to escalate the situation because there are a number of people who are unwilling to agree with the government and who are encouraging violence. He said that group of people had connections with people in the area as well as in the capital city.
The Royal Thai Police has determined that the situation remains normal following Monday’s clash between demonstrators and policemen. Officers have been told to avoid clashes and to exercise tolerance while also facilitating road traffic at the same time.
