The government on Thursday made good on the prime minister’s offer to revoke the week-old state of emergency imposed over the capital in response to mounting protests.
The emergency decree, which had been effective until Nov. 13, was revoked as of noon, according to an order published in the Royal Gazette today. It said that the “severe situation has eased and ceased.”
It was signed by prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Last night, as ten thousand or so protesters were marching on his offices, he said he would lift the decree to defuse the situation, so long as demonstrations remained peaceful.
A nationwide state of emergency in place since late March, ostensibly to combat the pandemic, remains in place. Numerous protesters have been charged with violating it.
Last night’s rally concluded with two protesters presenting a resignation letter ready for Prayuth to sign, and a vow that protests would resume in three days if he did not.
Shortly after two protesters were filmed presenting it to smiling police, one of them, Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon was taken into custody. She was charged with violating decree before being released on bail Thursday morning.
Related
Protesters held off near Government House by blockade of vehicles, police
