BANGKOK, March 1 (TNA) – After yesterday’s demonstration, which started at the Victory Monument, security authorities kept cargo containers on the outbound section of Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, causing heavy traffic congestion this morning.
Yesterday (Feb 28), demonstrators marched from the Victory Monument to the 1st Infantry Battalion where the prime minister’s residence stands. There were several clashes with police and explosions of big firecrackers and ping pong bombs from 9.14pm.
More riot police were then deployed. They used rubber bullets and water cannons firing tear gas solution to crack down on the rally. A clash lasted longer than 10 minutes.
Another clash happened later on the inbound section of Vibhavadi Rangsit Road where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators.
Then police vehicles were set ablaze and many demonstrators were arrested in Din Daeng area.
Many policemen were injured apparently with hard objects. An unidentified number of demonstrators also suffered injuries.
Meanwhile, a deputy prime minister expressed condolences to the family of a police officer who died during a political demonstration last night.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon expressed his condolences for the riot policeman who died of a heart attack. He also confirmed that the use of rubber bullets was a normal step of police action. (TNA)