Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned anti-government protesters, especially the youths among them, not to break the law or face arrest and prosecution.
Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said today (Sunday), that the prime minister issued the warning after a violent protest at Din Daeng intersection last night by a small group of young protesters.
He said that the prime minister is concerned that some youths might have broken the law, which might land them in trouble if they are caught by the police and charged.
The prime minister reminded these young protesters to think about their futures and their parents, said Thanathorn.
Some of the protesters separated from a larger group at the Victory Monument and went to the Din Daeng intersection, where they clashed with the police, pelting them with firecrackers, glass pellets and flares. One police car was set on fire and one of the protesters was arrested, according to the government spokesman.
Meanwhile, Pol Maj-Gen Jirasan Kaewsang-ek, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said that about 40 protesters had gathered at Din Daeng intersection at about 6pm and confronted police, who were deployed to the scene to maintain order.
He said one protester was arrested with eight pyrotechnic flares in his possession, adding that the police have been trying to track down those responsible for torching the police patrol car.
Protesters first gathered at the Democracy Monument and then marched to the Victory Monument, to demand the resignation of the prime minister. The protest was, however, largely orderly and peaceful.
Police were deployed to direct traffic around the march without attempting to block their route.
Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service