A LARGE number of crowd control police started clearing today’s (July 18) key protest sites this evening bringing in high-pressure water cannon trucks along with them and announcing that those who do not return will be immediately arrested, Thai Rath newspaper said.
At 7.48 p.m. the police units seized control of Nang Loeng intersection after some protesters had used slingshots to hit them with nuts and glass balls and also hurled a few ping-pong bombs at them. At this point the media was told to stay behind the police line for safety.
Earlier reports: Anti-Prayut protesters hit by rubber bullets, tear gas near Govt House
Police fire water cannons at protesters near Govt House
At 7:55 p.m. when the water cannon trucks drove in, it was found that there was no one left.
At 8 p.m. police moved towards Yommarat intersection and sprayed water on the road surface as they began gaining control of the area.
At 8.11 p.m. the police line at Nang Loeng intersection also moved into this area to clear it before the start of the 9 p.m. curfew.
CAPTION:
Crowd control police clearing two intersections where protesters had lingered late this evening. Photos: Thai Rath
