Protesters back off from marching to QSNCC to submit letter to foreign leaders

A BIG CROWD of demonstrators with some of them wearing dinosaur costumes gave up on an attempt to march to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) to submit a letter to foreign leaders attending the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit this afternoon (Nov. 17), Matichon newspaper said. 

The protesters, who had gathered at Asoke Montri intersection to march to QSNCC, heeded an announcement by Pol. Col. Nimit Nuphonthong, superintendent of Lumpini police station, that their gathering was illegal as they had not notified the authorities 24 hours in advance.

Another policeman later warned them that they risked being charged with violating the Public Assembly Act for not having asked for permission beforehand.

At 1.12 p.m. Ms. Thanaphon Wichan, or Mai, from Labour Network for People’s Rights who was wearing a dinosaur costume, said as the demonstrators were unable to reach QSNCC they were trying to negotiate to send a representative to submit a letter to the leaders of all countries attending the Apec summit and were conveying their intention through the media.

She added that if this were not done then problems in Thailand would remain hidden as in the past and not resolved, with one allegedly being violation of human rights.

The demonstrators later tore up copies of the letter they intended to hand over to the foreign leaders and said they would communicate with them through the media.

At 1.42 p.m. Thanaphon announced an end to their activity but said the protesters were not giving up and would continue monitoring the Apec summit to see whether the Thai economy would improve or not.

CAPTION:

Protesters face off with police at Asoke Montri intersection this afternoon. Photos: Matichon

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