Thailand: Opposition protests scheduled in Bangkok February 27 /update 1

Event

Student activists have called for rallies at several universities in Bangkok on Thursday, February 27, to protest the dissolution of popular opposition political party, the Future Forward Party. Participants plan to gather at 17:00 (local time) at Ramkhamhaeng University, while another demonstration is expected at the same time at Rangsit University. Similar protests are reportedly scheduled at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang on Thursday, and at Walailak University and Thammasat Lampang campuses on Wednesday, February 26. A police spokesman said that security forces will deploy to the rallies and reminded organizers to act within the law, according to local media outlets.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near any protest site. Similar demonstrations are expected throughout Thailand in the lead up to the no-confidence motion on Friday, February 28.

Context

Thailand's Constitutional Court dissolved the Future Forward Party on February 21 for taking loans from its founder. The decision sparked isolated nationwide protests in the following days - particularly at university campuses.
On February 24, the government began the first censure debate since the 2014 military coup. Government officials are expected to discuss a number of controversial issues during the three-day debate including corruption allegations and the 2014 coup. The debate is due to culminate in a no-confidence motion on February 28.

Advice

Individuals in Thailand, and in Bangkok in particular, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid any protest or demonstration as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.