Thailand Declares State of Emergency as Pro-Democracy Protests Intensify

On Thursday, the government in Thailand held in custody, several distinguished protest leaders and prohibited gatherings of more than five people under an emergency decree. The officials attempted to suppress pro-democracy protests that have surrounded the country during the past three months. 

The state decree, which was enforced after thousands of protesters broke through a police barricade to camp outside Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's offices on Wednesday, became effective in Bangkok at 4am local time on Thursday.

The protesters were insisting on Prayut's resignation and a monarchy reform.

Another reason for the emergency decree was a video of protesters obstructing a royal motorcade. The footage showed police who were pushing back protesters screaming and making the defiant three-fingered salute from the "Hunger Games" movies while a car with Queen Suthida and King Maha Vajiralongkorn's youngest son, Prince Dipangkorn, drove past.

According to the emergency decree, "there are enough grounds to believe that violent acts have been committed. And this has affected the government's stability, safety, property, and staff. This is no longer a peaceful assembly as it should be warranted by the constitution."

Apart from the limited gatherings of five people, the decree bans publishing and broadcasting news and information which prompts fear among the public. Additionally, assigned officers will be allowed to apply new traffic rules and close some premises to the public.

Following the anti-government protests on Wednesday, authorities deployed nearly 15,000 police to control demonstrators and arrested 22 people, including some distinguished activists, such as the student leader Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul, the protest leader Arnon Nampa, and Panupong Jadnok.