Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will not announce additional venues in the city open for public gatherings, governor advisor Pol General Adit Ngamjitsuksri said on Monday.

Adit was tasked by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt to lead a press event to clarify the issue after pro-democracy protesters gathered at the Asoke Montri Intersection in Khlong Toei district on Sunday, causing traffic congestion in the area.

About 1,000 demonstrators gathered at the intersection on Sunday afternoon to protest against the senators for not supporting Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid to become prime minister.

Police initially closed off half the lanes of Asoke Road in the outgoing direction to facilitate the gathering and the traffic. However, as more protesters poured onto the road as well as on the skywalk, officials had to eventually close all traffic lanes on Asoke Road.

Adit said although the protester leaders said they had asked permission from the Thong Lor police station to hold the rally at the Asoke Intersection, the city would not announce the venue as a place allowed for gathering.

He pointed out that protesters should use the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Government Complex, known colloquially known as Kiak Kai Complex, which the BMA opened on July 13 for members of the public who wish to gather and monitor the PM voting session at the Parliament.

The Kiak Kai Complex is located on Thahan Road in Dusit district, right next to the Parliament Building.

Adit also said other venues that have been approved by the BMA to hold public gatherings are still available, including the Lan Khon Mueang Town Square in Phra Nakhon district.

“Public gatherings at other areas must be approved by the police station responsible for said areas,” he said. “Protestors are required by law to notify the police of the details of their activities, starting and ending time, and estimated number of attendees, so that police can manage the traffic and security accordingly.”

He added that protesters must also cooperate with the police by not bringing banned objects to the gathering, such as weapons and explosives.

Chadchart said that as the police are responsible for public security, the BMA will take responsibility for providing bathrooms and medical assistance at public gatherings.

“The city is obligated to take care of all citizens equally,” he stressed.

The governor also advised residents and motorists to follow the latest updates on political protests and plan their travel accordingly to avoid traffic congestion.