Live Blog: Protesters Camp at Thammasat on Eve of Coup Anniversary

BANGKOK — We’re live from Thammasat University where protesters have gathered on the eve before the fourth anniversary of the military coup. A rally is planned to depart Tuesday toward Government House. Editor Todd Ruiz and reporters Teeranai Charuvastra, Chayanit Itthipongmaetee and Jintamas Saksornchai are at the site.

Refresh this page for regular updates.

TUESDAY STANDOFF: Our Live Blog continues here!

8:32pm

Teeranai: Activities have been suspended due to the rain. We will continue to bring you updates as they happen.

8:21pm

Teeranai: Although protesters succeeded in keeping a gate open, police have effectively established a full control over who is allowed inside. It remains to be seen how activists react if police barricades block protesters from marching to Government House tomorrow.

8:15pm

Todd: Student activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal attends protest.

8:11pm

Teeranai: Coordinator of the team, Sunai Phasuk, said rights workers felt the need to wear these identifications because police threatened to prosecute anyone who joined the demonstration, even rights activists and journalists.

8:07pm

Teeranai: Wearing bright yellow jackets, demonstration observers made entry for first time to the protests. They are a network of watchdog groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty Inter banded together to observe any rights violation.

8:05pm

Todd: The stage is cleared as people scramble from the rain.

7:41pm

Chayanit: Activists sing on stage.

“Let’s hear some chilly songs,” musicians say, as others reply “No, we want heavy!”

7:36pm

Teeranai: Democracy Restoration Group member Rangsiman Rome says police may resort to negotiation to open barricades which they set up to prevent protesters from marching Tuesday.

7:30pm

Teeranai: Protesters are entering the premise on condition that they show their faces to the camera, and not their ID cards as police previously demanded. This had earlier caused scuffles.

7:20pm

Teeranai: Protesters inside the premises chant, calling for an end to dictatorship and elections by November, as Junta Leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha promised in October.

“NCPO, return power to the people” and “though my rights are few, you still take them away,” protest leaders chant through megaphones.

7:09pm

Todd: Protesters being allowed through the gates of Thammasat University, where barriers previously prevented them from entering.

Related stories:

Protesters Enter Thammasat Day Before Rally to Govt House

Police Warn Against March to Gov’t House

Pro-Election March on Govt House Set for Coup Anniversary

Police Threaten Coupversary Charges, Protesters Say ‘No Longer Afraid’