Thai rubber farmers end road blocks to join Democrat rally

ERJ staff report (TP)

Bangkok – Thai rubber and palm oil farmer protesters have ended their road blocks in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Bang Saphan Noi district and left to join the anti-government movements in Bangkok, reported The Bangkok Post.

The network of rubber and palm oil growers from the 16 southern provinces started blockading Phetkasem Road on 26 October. They called on the government to address tumbling rubber and palm oil prices.

The network's adviser Sunthorn Rakrong said yesterday his group had agreed to end the rally on Phetkasem Road and head to Bangkok. They wanted to take part in the protests on Ratchadamnoen Avenue to seek the government's ousting.

About 200 of the so-called "Tanaosri warriors" will also be sent to provide security for protesters in the Dharma Army group at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge, and those at the Democrat Party-led rally at the Democracy Monument, Sunthorn said. Both venues are located on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

The group also met Prachuap Khiri Khan governor Weera Sriwattanatrakul to ask for justice, after police laid charges against their leaders in connection with the blockades, Sunthorn said.

Sunthorn said the end of the road blockades in Bang Saphan Noi district does not mean the group has lost its fight.

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Full story from The Bangkok Post