Protests near campus
Tha Prachan is next to Sanam Luang and a short walk from Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Democracy Monument, where large gatherings often take place. This guide is about staying safe, whatever the gathering is about.
There is no alert for this at the moment
This is guidance to read before you need it.
Do this now
- Check the latest update on this page and faculty announcements before you travel.
- Plan a route that avoids the gathering. Allow extra time, as roads and piers may close.
- If you are near a crowd and do not want to be there, leave early by a side street.
- Keep your phone charged and your ID with you.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Call
On campus
- Follow instructions from security and faculty staff. Gates may be closed at short notice.
- If classes continue, the faculty will say so. If you cannot get there safely, tell your lecturer.
If you are in a crowd
- Know where the way out is. Keep to the edges and away from barriers, stages and narrow streets.
- If the crowd gets so tight that you are pushed along, go with the flow, not against it. Hold your arms in front of your chest, like a boxer, to keep room to breathe.
- Move sideways across the flow a little at a time, in the pauses between surges, towards the edge.
- If you fall, get up quickly. If you cannot, curl up on your side and protect your head.
- Agree a meeting point with friends in case you are separated. Phone networks often fail in big crowds.
Tear gas and other irritants
- Get away from the cloud into fresh air. The gas is heavy and stays low, so higher ground helps.
- Do not rub your eyes. Rinse them with plain clean water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take out contact lenses and throw them away.
- Wash your skin with soap and water, and put the clothes you wore in a sealed bag.
- Get medical help for breathing trouble or pain that does not ease. Call 1669.
If police stop you
- Stay calm and polite. Show your ID if asked.
- Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, if you are arrested you have the right to tell a relative or someone you trust where you are, and to see a lawyer.
- Do not sign anything you have not read and understood. You can ask for a copy.
- Thai Lawyers for Human Rights gives free legal help at any hour on 092-271-3172.
If you are an international student
The UK and other governments advise foreign nationals in Thailand to avoid protests and political gatherings. Taking part, or even being there, can put your visa at risk, and Thai law on criticising the monarchy is strict and applies to posts online. Keep away, and if you are caught up in one, leave as soon as you can.
What you post
- Before you post photos or videos, think about whether they show other people's faces.
- Check any claim of violence or arrests with a reliable source before sharing it.
Contacts
Police emergency
24 hours, free
Ambulance and medical emergency
24 hours, free
Tourist Police
24 hours, in English and other languages. The best line if you do not speak Thai.
Erawan Centre, Bangkok's emergency medical service
24 hours, free
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR)
24 hours. Free legal help if you or someone you know is detained or charged over free expression or assembly. Second line 096-789-3173.
TU Law Center, Tha Prachan
Free legal advice for Thammasat students.
Faculty of Political Science office
Weekdays 09:00 to 16:00. Email polscitu@tu.ac.th.
BIR Programme office
Weekdays. Email bir@tu.ac.th.
Office of International Affairs (OIA), Thammasat
Visas and help for international students. Email info.inter@tu.ac.th.