Thailand’s anti-government Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) protesters on Sunday morning started to gather in front of the parliament, in an attempt to prevent the coalition government to delivery its policy statement on Monday.
Amplifiers and protesting stages were set up at the opposite side of the parliament. However, traffic conditions around the area were normal and no roads were blocked.
Policemen were monitoring the DAAD demonstration. About 50 security officers were maintaining order at the parliament.
One of the DAAD core members from Chiang Mai province, Kanyapak Maneejak, said about 600 protesters from Thailand’s northern provinces already arrived in front of the parliament and they will continue protesting to pressure the government to step aside or dissolve the parliament.
She said the protest will not resort to violence or create any obstruction.
Meanwhile, 400 DAAD protesters from Thailand’s northeastern provinces arrived at the site, and more of them are expected to gather later during the day.
Deputy Interior Minister Bunjong Wongtrairat said the number of anti-government protesters could exceed 10,000 on Monday.
Bunjong, referring to official reports, said the protesters did not carry weapons into Bangkok.
The Thai government will present its policy to Parliament on Monday and Tuesday.
Parliament President Chai Chidchob expressed on Saturday concern over a planned protest by DAAD protesters on Monday, saying the policy debate may be delayed if the situation spirals out of control.
But Chai said he has not yet considered an alternative meeting venue.