22 Oct, 2020
An order in the Royal Gazette that was just issued and takes effect at noon today, October 22, 2020, ends the declaration of a severe emergency in Bangkok.
This declaration was enacted last week in Bangkok following escalating pro-democracy and anti-establishment protests. The decree, which was widely unpopular, banned gatherings of over five people in Bangkok. The decree was widely ignored by pro-democracy protesters who continued to organize daily protests with many more than five people. The decree was also ignored by pro-government protesters who also gathered.
It is important to note this is not the decree that controls the Covid19 situation that has been in effect for almost seven months and is likely to be extended again in November.
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, had stated in an address last night he would end the declaration if there were no violent incidents between protesters, law enforcement or rival protest groups.
Protesters, meanwhile, are still asking for the PM to resign within three days or face more protests. One of their previous demands was the removal of the severe state of emergency that banned gatherings.
Protesters are calling for the release from jail of all protest leaders, the resignation of the prime minister, the dissolution of Parliament, the rewriting of a new Constitution and stopping harassment of all protesters. Some protesters are also asking for reform of the countries highest institution which has driven controversy.
