Protesters and police are ready for tomorrow’s anti-PM rally in Bangkok

About 1,300 police officers will be deployed at and around the Victory Monument to maintain peace and security during a mass rally tomorrow, being staged to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said on Friday.

He said police have asked organisers to comply strictly with the law and have advised motorists to avoid roads around the monument, adding that rally participants have been told not to bring liquor or illegal items to the protest site.

The media has been asked to report the event “properly” and in a way which will not to cause public misunderstanding or confusion.

Pol Lt-Gen Archayon added that protest organisers have been asked to keep the rally to just one day. Overnight stays at the protest site will not be allowed.

Ambulances and mobile latrines have been provided at each of the four corners of the monument.

Phichit Chaimongkhon, one of the protest leaders, said that the rally, which had been scheduled to start at 4pm, will be brought forward in anticipation of the arrival of protesters from upcountry.

Another protest leader, Jatuporn Prompan, claimed that some elements might try to disrupt the rally and that there have been attempts in some provinces to prevent the protesters from reaching Bangkok.

Public donations in support of the rally have now reached about 20 million baht.