Thai police arrest protesters violating ban

Thai police on June 8 arrested seven anti-coup protesters who were gathering outside a shopping mall in Bangkok, as more than 6,500 security personnel were deployed across the city to enforce a ban on political gatherings.

About 20 people gathered outside the shopping mall, then moved through the neighborhood and onto the subway under heavy police surveillance. Bangkok's deputy police chief, Somyot Poompanmoung, said he photographed five protesters, then arrested them and handed them over to the military.

Thai soldiers ensure security in Bangkok on May 29. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN)

Two others were arrested for participating in earlier protests outside the shopping mall.

Under martial law, political gatherings of more than five people are banned. Soldiers under Army Chief Prayut Chan-Ocha arrested about 20 people, and adhered to the principle of not using force.

Among them was Sombat Boonngamanong, a veteran politician who led a branch of the "Red Shirt" movement supporting the government of ousted Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. He was arrested for launching an online campaign against the coup.

On May 22, the military led by General Prayut imposed a curfew and carried out a coup to overthrow Yingluck's government, claiming to end seven months of anti-government protests.

As of June 8, the curfew has been eased in 10 popular tourist destinations to mitigate the negative impacts of this decree on tourism - one of Thailand's key industries.

The latest curfew easing decision includes tourist spots on Ko Chang island in Trat province, Hat Yai district in Songkhla province, and Phangan island in Surat Thani province.

Accordingly, the curfew was temporarily lifted for five nights, from June 9 to 13, to facilitate people and tourists to participate in the full moon festival - one of the largest beach parties in the world.

Previously, the curfew was also lifted in most major tourist resorts, including Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Cha-am, Hua Hin.

The number of foreign tourists to Thailand fell 10.6% in May compared to the same period in 2013, according to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The government has had to lower its forecast for tourist arrivals in 2014 to 25.9 million, down significantly from the initial forecast of 28 million./.

According to VNA