Soldiers, Police Deploy across Bangkok Fearing Anti-Coup Protests


Soldiers, Police Deploy across Bangkok Fearing Anti-Coup Protests

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Thousands of soldiers and police were deployed across Bangkok on Sunday, an official said, as anti-coup protesters vowed to stage flashmob rallies in several locations in defiance of an army edict banning political assemblies.

Small but vehement protests have been held since the military seized power from the civilian government on May 22, despite the junta's move to ban all public protests.

The majority have taken place in the Thai capital where demonstrators have become increasingly creative to avoid detection and arrest, including adopting a three-finger salute from the "Hunger Games" films.

The salute has become the unofficial symbol of resistance against the military regime, AFP reported.

"We have deployed more than 6,500 soldiers and police at several key places believed to be the areas for protest this afternoon," said deputy national police chief Somyot Poompanmoung.

"So far the situation is quiet," he added.

Political assemblies of more than five people were banned under martial law declared by Army Chief Prayut two days before he seized power in a coup three weeks ago.

His troops have so far taken a relatively light touch to policing the near daily rallies, making more than a dozen arrests but not using force.

 

 

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