A total of 183 People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protesters were arrested in Tuesday’s operations to reclaim Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the Energy Ministry rally sites, Royal Thai Police spokesman Piya Uthayo said on Tuesday.
Of the 183 arrested demonstrators, 144 had been rallying at the energy ministry complex on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, which also houses PTT headquarters. The group of arrested protesters at the rally site led by Thai Energy Reform Council representative and PDRC member Rawee Maschamadol included 48 women.
The remaining 39 detainees were brought in from the rally stage at Pan Fah Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Pol Maj Gen Piya said.
All were being held at the Region 1 Border Patrol Police head office in Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani. They face charges of leading an illegal gathering of 10 or more people in violation of sections 215 and 216 of the Criminal Code, and leading an illegal assembly of five or more people in violation of the emergency decree.
The protesters captured at the Energy Ministry would also be charged with trespassing, Pol Maj Gen Piya said.