BANGKOK, 29 September 2013 – Protesters in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Cha-uat District have agreed to lift the blockade of Highway 41 after the court had approved a release of one of the key leaders arrested during riot.
Rubber farmers in Nakhon Si Thammarat have agreed to open Khuan Nong Hong intersection in Cha-uat district. The move came after the officials had released one of the key leaders, Chayanin Kongsong, who was arrested on September 16th during which the police and protesters clashed in the police’s attempt to break up the rally. The riot left at least 70 people injured.
However, the protesters promised they would come back if the government could not meet their demand which is to guarantee the price of para rubber at 100 baht per kilogram.
The Highway 41 is now passable for motorists. It is the main road that links central region to southern region. The protesters began their rally on September 14th despite the government’s offer to help the farmers with a subsidy of 2,520 baht per rai.
