BANGKOK, 16 September 2013 The Royal Thai Police have removed roadblocks in Cha-uat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat and reopened the highway for traffic. The operation was conducted without any violence.
According to Police Spokesperson Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo, the police have taken control over the situation in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where rubber protesters have been blocking the highway in Cha-uat District. The roads are now opened to traffic.
Police moved in early in the morning when there were few protesters left in the area as most farmers left the site to tap rubber trees. No clashes have been reported and no arrests have been made at the scene. Police will remain in the area until the situation improves, said the spokesman.
He further revealed that there has been no report of other gatherings in other areas, while urging the protesters not to block any more roads as the action violates the law.
He also said the police would investigate if anyone was behind the protest, adding that the police arrested one of the protest leaders who had led a group of teenagers in attacking a police booth. The perpetrator is now under custody an will be charged for his criminal act.
