The government banned gatherings of five or more people and the publication of news or online messages that could harm national security early on Thursday under an emergency decree to end Bangkok street protests.
Protests have escalated for three months and protesters set up camp outside Government Houseto demand his resignation late on Wednesday. The government said it also acted after demonstrators obstructed a royal motorcade.
“It is extremely necessary to introduce an urgent measure to end this situation effectively and promptly to maintain peace and order,” state television announced.
It was accompanied by a document setting out measures that took effect from 4am to ban big gatherings and allowing authorities to ban people from entering any area they designation.
It also prohibits: “publication of news, other media, and electronic information that contains messages that could create fear or intentionally distort information, creating misunderstanding that will affect national security or peace and order.”
About 10,000 protesters marched in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The protest movement aims to remove Gen Prayut, who took power in a 2014 coup that was meant to end a decade of violence between supporters and opponents of the country’s establishment.
Those marching on the streets also want a new constitution and have called for reform of the monarchy.
This article is taken from Bangkok Post