BANGKOK – Thailand’s government arrested several prominent protest leaders and announced a ban on gatherings of more than five people under an emergency decree Thursday aimed at quelling pro-democracy demonstrations that have gripped the country for more than three months.
The decree was enforced after thousands of protesters marched from the city’s Democracy Monument and broke through a police barricade to camp outside Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s offices late Wednesday. Demonstrators were calling for Prayut’s resignation and reform of the monarchy.
Along with limiting groups to five people, the emergency decree includes a nationwide ban on publishing and broadcasting news and information – including online – that incites fear among the public.(CNN)
