Bangkok: Police expect more protesters to join this evening as they continue to strictly control the screening checkpoints around Victory Monument. The overall situation remains stable, with no immediate concerns reported.
According to Thai News Agency, at 4:00 p.m., Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiradech Thamsuthee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Thawat Wongsongka, also a deputy commissioner, and the director of Ratchathewi District, provided an update on the current protest scenario. They assured that despite the expected increase in protesters, the situation is under control.
Pol. Lt. Col. Thawat reported that traffic around Victory Monument continues to move, although certain roads have been closed to accommodate the protest. At noon, Ratchawithi Road was closed, followed by the inbound side of Phahon Yothin Road at 2:00 p.m. Traffic was diverted under the Din Daeng Expressway due to the large number of people gathered in front of the rally stage.
At 3:30 p.m., drones recorded approximately 6,000 protesters, with expectations of more joining by the evening flag-saluting ceremony at 6 p.m. If further road closures occur, specific detours have been planned for vehicles coming from various directions around the protest area.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thiradech announced the arrest of Mr. Phibun, 42, a Bangkok resident, on charges of assaulting an officer and carrying a knife in public. He was taken to Phaya Thai Police Station after officers discovered the knife during a search. In addition to this arrest, the police seized a total of 7 knives and 17 box cutters and detained an individual with an arrest warrant under the Computer Crime Act.
Furthermore, eight workers were arrested on Vibhavadi Road and taken to Din Daeng Police Station. Initial investigations suggest they are Burmese and Cambodian nationals claiming to be on their way to work, with no evidence of involvement in the protest disruptions.
Pol. Lt. Col. Thiradech assured the public that while the situation is stable, officers remain vigilant in carrying out their duties.