PRACHINBURI, Thailand – Over 300 protesters gathered outside the Prachinburi Provincial Hall on Monday, August 17, to demand answers from the government regarding their opposition to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development project, signaling a potential long-term rally as demonstrators set up tents.
The protest began around 9:00 a.m. local time, with demonstrators seeking progress updates and responses from the government via Prachinburi Governor. Protests leaders took turns addressing the crowd, criticizing government policies for allegedly favoring capital groups and Chinese factories. They also expressed concern over potential local impacts, particularly industrial waste and environmental pollution.
Demonstrators later moved toward the side entrance of the provincial hall but found all gates locked. Security officials monitored the situation from inside the premises to prevent unauthorized entry into the building. Protest leaders stated the demonstration would remain peaceful and unarmed, aiming to hear a direct response from the Prime Minister through the governor. However, they warned that failure to meet their demands or a refusal by the governor to address the crowd could lead to an escalation of the protest. By afternoon, protesters began setting up camping equipment and tents around the compound, indicating plans for an extended sit-in. (TNA)
