Key events on 16 December 2013

The second round of gathering of the public forum on how to move Thailand forward convened by the interim Government, attended by invited academics, representatives of the public sector and representatives of seven business organizations, was held at the Sukosol Hotel. Mr. Tongthong Chandrangsu, the Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office, the forum’s moderator, gave an interview to the press stating that the forum attendees agreed that the election should be held as scheduled as it would lead to true reform with the participation of all parties. The election process must, however, be subject to close scrutiny to ensure it is free and fair. Some forum attendees also proposed that organizations tasked with overseeing reforms of the country be established immediately after the elections. Other forum attendees proposed that the election be postponed to allow for political reform and to revise election rules to ensure fairness.

Key events on 17 December 2013

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, Secretary General of People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), announced plans to hold a mass rally on 22 December 2013. The PRDC’s Secretary General planned to march around Bangkok distributing leaflets to invite people to join the mass rally. The march will take place from 19 to 20 December 2013.   On 19 December, the protestors will march from Ratchadamnoen to the Sukhumvit area via Phetchaburi and Asok. On 20 December, the protestors will march from the protest venue to Silom via Yaowarat. Saturday will be a rest day. Mr Suthep urged all local administrative organisations to provide amenities and refreshments for those travelling from the provinces. The PDRC has asked diplomats     from various countries to observe the Ratchadamnoen rally site on 18 December during which the PDRC will explain their "reforms before elections" demand to the diplomats and ask them to visit the Dhamma Army and the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform rally sites.

The number of the protestors at Democracy Monument at 21.30 hrs was 4,000.

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