BANGKOK, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Bangkok Bank officials said their headquarters shut its doors Friday afternoon in response to a protest by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.
The Bangkok Post said bank management cited safety concerns for staff and customers regarding the suspension of bank services early Friday afternoon.
United Front leaders allege the executives at the bank helped finance a golf course in Thailand's Chanthaburi Province that is encroaching on the Khao Soi Dao forest reserve.
In addition, the protests allege the bank's honorary chairman, Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, was involved in the 2006 coup that forced Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra out of office.
Bangkok Bank Vice President Theera Aphaiwong said Friday's protesters had vowed not to use violence while exercising their constitutional rights.
Theera said managers at nearby Bangkok Bank locations were informed they could shut down if the protest turned violent.
Nearly 500 police officers were on hand to preserve the peace in and around the bank headquarters Friday, the Post said.
