Bangkok Protest Route Altered to Avoid Legal Violations

Bangkok: Police discussed with Yingcheep, warning that marching near Sa Pathum Palace risked violating the Public Assembly Act, before changing plans to have protesters take the BTS to Siam station and head towards the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. According to Thai News Agency, the discussions with Yingcheep, who is the project manager of the Internet for People's Law (iLaw), were initiated due to concerns that the original protest route risked breaching Section 7 of the Constitution, which governs public gatherings.

Near Century Plaza at Victory Monument, reporters observed as participants in the "People Unleash Their Fury: Sue Senators 229" event encountered intervention from Bangkok Metropolitan Police. The officers highlighted that the planned march from Victory Monument to the Bangkok Art Gallery could violate Section 7 of the Public Assembly Act B.E. 2558 (2015). This law restricts public gatherings within 150 meters of certain royal premises, including Sa Pathum Palace.

In addition to legal concerns, officials expressed apprehension about the safety of the event's attendees, noting that the police force might not suffice to provide comprehensive security under the original plan. Consequently, Mr. Yingcheep proposed an alternative route, suggesting participants use the BTS Skytrain from Phaya Thai to Siam station, followed by a walk to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. This adjustment aims to comply with legal requirements and allow police to better prepare for ensuring the safety of the protestors.