Bangkok remains calm as rallies continue peacefully

On the afternoon of 13 March 2010, demonstrators led by the group called the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) resumed their rallies around the area of Phanfa Bridge on Radjadamnern Avenue. These rallies were joined by other protesters who had travelled to Bangkok from other provinces. While certain roads around the area have been closed to traffic, the rallies remain peaceful.

In other parts of Bangkok, life and businesses continue as usual. The public continue to commute around Bangkok and carry on with their daily routine. Only in a few areas have some thoroughfares been closed such those near Government House or in front of the old Army Club on Sri Ayudhya Road, as part of the measures to ensure safety in key areas and to prevent any blockade of government buildings, thereby disrupting administration of the government.

Earlier on 13 March, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, expressing appreciation for the cooperation from all sides which contributed to the peaceful demonstrations on 12 March, emphasized that security officials would continue to facilitate and remain vigilant in conducting their searches at various checkpoints to ensure that further rallies be held in a peaceful and orderly manner. Towards this end, officials have also been in contact with the protest leaders to establish a line of communication as well as to prevent any confusion that may arise from rumours or misunderstandings. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed that the Government respects people's constitutional rights to demonstrate peacefully. However, should rallies go beyond the boundary set by law, such as inciting of violence, it would be the Government's duty to take actions in accordance with the due process of law and internationally accepted standards of crowd control, as the case may be.

Despite the invocation of the Internal Security Act, B.E. 2551 (2008), which would be effective in Bangkok and nearby provinces from 11 to 23 March, peaceful assembly can be held as part of Thai people's constitutional rights. The use of the said law is necessary as it would enable security agencies to more effectively integrate their efforts and take measures provided for under the Act and applicable existing laws to prevent and mitigate, as much as possible, undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public.
The Government has also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, including to the Bangkok Metropolitan Call Centre by dialling 1555 or the police emergency number 191.

The Royal Thai Government will continue to step up measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all foreigners in Thailand. It should be stressed once again that foreigners have not been targeted in the on-going political conflict. Be that as it may, visitors to Thailand are advised to be vigilant, particularly in areas where crowds may gather. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has a 24-hour English language hotline at 1672, while the tourist police can be reached at 1155.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a 24-hour operation centre, which can provide visitors and foreigners with up to date information at +662-575-1023, +662-981-7225, +6688-022-1540 or +6688-022-1541.

13 March 2010