Earlier today (Oct 15), the Thai government imposed an emergency decree alongside a ban of crowd gatherings of five or more people, as well as any publication of news and online messages that could create fear and misinformation, with the purpose to maintain national security. The issue of emergency decree ensues from a huge protest of thousands of demonstrators on Ratchadamnoen Road and around the Government House yesterday (October 14, 2020). As of now, the authority has arrested several major protest leaders.
Over thousands of people broke out in protest, which aimed at removing prime minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha from the parliament and the urge for constitutional reform. Confrontation and collisions between the pro-government party and anti-government group were seen throughout the demonstration.
The emergency decree signed by the prime minister states that protestors have "caused chaos and disorder" that pose harm to the royal motorcade and state security, not to mention the danger of spreading COVID-19 and the effect on Thailand's already fragile economy, hence the emergency decree.
Today, protesters have planned for another demonstration around the Ratchaprasong area at around 16:00.