Security remains despite end to rubber rallies

Security remains despite end to rubber rallies

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT : Police are keeping tough security in place on Highway No41 in the province despite rubber growers abandoning their protest last week.The growers blocked the road three times during rallies decrying rubber prices, and police are worried they might come back again.

After three hours of negotiations between local leaders and demonstrators, demonstrators agreed to disperse on Friday night.

They also helped clear the barricades put up on the road near the Khuan Nong Khong intersection in Cha-uat district.

Demonstrators called an end to the rallies, which had made the road impassible and forced motorists to use a detour, after authorities agreed to release Chayanin Kongsong, a key leader.

Mr Chayanin was arrested on Sept 16, when a clash erupted between police and demonstrators after authorities attempted to break up the rally. The clash left scores of protesters and some 70 police injured.

Police would have to keep security at the four checkpoints on the road in place until further notice, Pol Col Sonthichai Arwathanakulathep, deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief said.

It might be more convenient for motorists to have increased security in place during the Sart Duean Sip festival in the South, which began yesterday.

At the beginning of Friday's talks, demonstrators refused to cooperate initially and said they would only disperse temporarily. But after authorities responded with a promise that protesters would not be indicted on criminal charges, demonstrators agreed to disperse.

They also offered to write investigation reports in the demonstrators' favour, to increase the chances that the courts would acquit those already indicted.

Demonstrators said they would resume their protests if the authorities' promises turn out to be hollow.

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