![Tens of thousands of people blockaded Bangkok 3 Tens of thousands of people blockaded Bangkok 0](https://vanhoaphuongdong.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/vnexpress.net-hang-chuc-nghin-nguoi-phong-toa-bangkok-2939078-1.jpg)
Tens of thousands of people blockaded Bangkok 0
Bangkok’s Asoke intersection was filled with protesters’ umbrellas.
According to AFP, opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban this morning led a group of protesters from the Democracy Monument to 7 points in Bangkok.
They waved flags, wore T-shirts with the words `Close Bangkok` or `Thai Uprising 2014`, occupied and set up stages on many major roads of the city, including areas outside a shopping center.
Besides the expected intersections, protesters also gathered at the headquarters of Thai Airways and quickly blocked the entrance.
Buses are only allowed to enter certain blocked areas.
Central World shopping center and three other shopping locations in the Siam Square area announced they will close at 8pm tonight, two hours earlier than usual.
`This is a people’s revolution,` Mr. Suthep said.
Officials said they are ready to declare a state of emergency if there is new unrest.
The Thai government did not find any way to prevent protesters from taking over the city and Mr. Suthep also pledged to withdraw if the protests turned into `civil war`.
Police said the plan to close Bangkok affected 12 hospitals, 28 hotels, 24 schools and 5 fire headquarters in protest areas.
They estimate that 70,000 vehicles pass through these locations on a weekday.
According to the Bangkok Post, many people expressed surprise when the capital’s traffic on the day of the city’s closure was much smoother than usual.
![Tens of thousands of people blockaded Bangkok 4 Tens of thousands of people blockaded Bangkok](https://vanhoaphuongdong.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/vnexpress.net-hang-chuc-nghin-nguoi-phong-toa-bangkok-2939078-2.jpg)
Protesters held banners demanding Ms. Yingluck step down as prime minister and reform before elections.
However, some residents have also expressed concern that the city’s occupation will affect their livelihoods, especially when tourist numbers decrease during the peak season.
`Of course it affects me. I’m very upset,` said Mr. Tong, 69 years old, owner of a hair salon.
Protesters have vowed to occupy Bangkok until victory is achieved.
The protesters demanded that Ms. Yingluck resign to establish a people’s council, with the goal of `bringing Thailand out of the Thaksin government`.
Eight people, including a police officer, have been killed and hundreds injured in street violence since protests began more than two months ago.
A number of small rallies have also been held in the capital, while the red shirts are expected to gather in many locations in northern Thailand, to express support for next month’s election and protest against the election.
![Tens of thousands of people blockaded Bangkok 5 Tens of thousands of people blockaded Bangkok](https://vanhoaphuongdong.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/vnexpress.net-hang-chuc-nghin-nguoi-phong-toa-bangkok-2939078-3.jpg)
Tens of thousands of people shut down Bangkok