Interior Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan has reported that National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Adul Sangsingkaew is currently handling the protest situation at the Urupong intersection. He has urged the protesters to maintain peace and not to violate the law.
In regard to whether or not the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been assisting the demonstrators by providing them with electric generators, the Interior Minister said that the BMA has not responded, but he will continue to press for a clear answer.
The news of the public being urged to gather at the provincial city halls are just rumors circulated by politicians. There have been no reports of any such movements so far, he said.
The Interior Minister also expressed his concerns over local fishermen reportedly intending to close off parts of the Gulf of Thailand, stretching from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Trad province.
Rumors which spread among fishermen that the government has planned to drill for oil in the region were simply untrue. Concerned that the fishermen protest might be politically motivated, Mr. Jarupong has ordered provincial governors to keep a close watch on the situation.
National News Bureau & Public Relations