Police brace for protest convoy in capital

Police are preparing for a protest convoy of up to 1,000 vehicles heading to Bangkok to demand a 10-baht cut in fuel prices and measures to ease the cost of living.

The convoy, led by Mano Khrueakaew, kamnan of tambon Krabi Noi in Muang Krabi district, began mobilising on Thursday at Khuan Nong Hong intersection in Cha-uat district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Protesters were expected to arrive in Bangkok Sunday afternoon.

Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepho, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) had deployed crowd-control officers around key locations, closed nearby roads and designated parking areas for protesters' vehicles.

The MPB has also designated an area within a 50m radius of Government House as a prohibited assembly zone from Thursday at 12.01am until Nov 20 at midnight.

Pol Maj Gen Siriwat said the measures were intended to minimise disruption to the public and ensure safe and orderly gatherings under the public assembly law.

National police chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma has instructed officers to enforce the law and respond proportionately while safeguarding the public, police personnel and public order, he said.

Road closures took effect at 12.01am Sunday on Phitsanulok Road between Phanitchayakan and Suan Misakawan intersections; between Chamai Maruchet Bridge and Suan Misakawan intersection; on a section of Nakhon Pathom Road in front of Wat Benchamabophit School; on Soi Likhit; and on a section of Rama V Road between the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak shrine and Orathai Bridge.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the affected routes and plan their journeys in advance. Traffic arrangements will be adjusted as necessary.

Separately, police found a man travelling with the convoy carrying a 9mm handgun and more than 20 rounds of ammunition during a gathering in Phetchaburi. The firearm was registered in Mr Mano's name.

Mr Mano told police that he had instructed convoy members not to bring firearms to the demonstration.