BANGKOK, Nov 24— The ongoing protests have already forced six roads to be closed to traffic, while intelligence reports indicated that anti-government demonstrators planned to lay siege to government offices in areas under the Internal Security Act (ISA) as well as all television stations, aiming to paralyse traffic in the capital, according Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).
The closed roads are Ratchadamnoen Avenue from Democracy Monument to Phan Fa and Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge, Phitsanulok Road from Yommarat intersection to Wang Daeng intersection, Nakhon Sawan Road from Thewakan intersection and Nang Lerng intersection, Ratchawithi Road from Karn Ruan intersection to Ratchawithi intersection, Si Ayutthaya Road from Wat Benjamabopit intersection and Phol 1 intersection as well as Rama V Road from Wat Benjamabopit intersection to Panich intersection.
Currently, a large number of Thai opposition protesters have been flocking to joined mass rallies on Ratchadamnoen Avenue while thousands of supporters of the pro-government ‘Red Shirt’ movement have been gathering at Rajamangala Stadium in support of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s crisis-hit administration.
Citing the reports, Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo, CAPO spokesman, told a press briefing that protesters from other provinces have been gradually flowing into Bangkok to join the anti-government protests.
Gen Piya added that protesters may begin rallying at midnight through 12 routes to lay siege to government offices in three districts under the ISA— Phra Nakhon, Dusit, Promprap Sattruphai— to block government officials from entering their offices.
Meanwhile, some leading protesters prepared 50 pickup trucks to mobilise 100-200 supporters to stage rallies other locations such as military offices, all television stations and offices symbolising the government— Pheu Thai Party headquarters and Shinawatra Tower, according to the reports.
The CAPO spokesman explained that the movement aimed at paralysing the traffic beginning this evening. He also said that there might be widespread gatherings at some spots including Wong Wian Yai area, Asoke intersection and Silom area which were believed to be prolonged for a few days.
There are attempts to instigate disturbances as the reports indicated that ill-intentioned people were storing vehicle tyres at gathering sites.
However, Gen Piya said that relevant officials did not want any unrest to occur as it would affect the public.
He also warned the public to avoid roads near rally sites and closely follow up on the situation.
The protesters should to be careful of any untoward incidents, Gen Piya warned, insisting police would avoid clashes with the demonstrators, remaining in position, recording video and taking still pictures related to the situation as evidence.
Regarding the planned protests tomorrow, 24 schools run by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in three districts under the ISA will be closed on Nov 25-26.
Meanwhile, Satriwithaya, Rajavinit, Benjamabopit, Wat Makut Kasattriyaram, Wat Bowonniwet, Rajini, Wat Sommanas schools and Satit Prasarnmit Demonstration School (Primary) will suspend classes on Monday for safety of students.
In a related development, Suvarnabhumi airport officials advised air travellers to arrive at the airport three hours ahead of departure and to use public transports, particularly the Airport Rail Link service, due to expected protest-related traffic and taxi shortages.
For more information and inquiries, air travellers can call 1722.
