The CRES repeatedly urged the protesters to leave the site at Ratchaprasong before 3 pm. However, the protesters remained well beyond the deadline at Ratchaprasong despite the government's threat. They sang and danced in expression of their courage, under the sky patrolled by government's helicopters.
In Bangkok, many demonstration sites were set up as alternatives to Ratchaprasong, including Din Daeng and Klong Toey intersection (led by Prateep Ungsongtham). Red-shirts also gather around Imperial Departmentstore (Ladplao and Samrong branches) and in front of Phuea Thai Party headquarters. Outside Bangkok, Provincial Offices are targeted as sites of protest.
Today (17 May), the Student Federation of Thailand (SFT) organised the 18th-year Commemoration of the 1992 Black May in Ramkamhaeng University. The SFT planned to use the University as another safe area for long-term demonstration. They welcomed to Ramkamhaeng the red-shirts who are barred from Ratchaprasong and any pro-democracy in case of crackdown in Ratchaprasong area.
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