Thailand: Activists plan to protest at Pathumwan and Ratchaprasong intersections in Bangkok Sept. 30 /update 1

Event

Anti-government activists will hold rallies in Bangkok Sept. 30. The nation is to oppose increasing the recently suspended prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s eight-year term limit following the 2014 coup. The protests are being held as the Constitutional Court is slated to deliver its decision on Prayut's tenure at around 15:00 the same day. Organizers have announced demonstrations at Pathumwan and Ratchaprasong intersections from 14:00 and 17:00 respectively. Reports indicate that activists will also gather outside the Constitutional Court building and at Thammasat University's Tha Pra Chan campus, though the start time of the protests remains unclear.

Other possible protest locations include Asoke Intersection, Democracy Monument, Democrat Party Headquarters, Government House, Lumphini Park, National Assembly, and Victory Monument; as well as near prominent public squares, government buildings, and roadways. Prayut's supporters may hold counterprotests. Larger gatherings may attract hundreds of participants.

Authorities will likely increase security at the Constitutional Court and at any gathering venues. Clashes between opposing groups of activists or police and demonstrators are possible, particularly if activists try to bypass security barriers. Mass arrests may occur if security forces consider any action to violate Lese-majeste laws that ban alleged insults against the monarchy. Demonstrators may block and/or march along roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions.

Advice

Avoid the protests due to possible clashes. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernmental building. Plan for possible localized transport disruptions. Heed all official security and transport advisories.