The military operations have decreased the protesters' number at the Rathchaprasong area to about 6,000, Panithan said.
Meanwhile, the Pathumwan District Court in central Bangkok sentenced 27 protesters to six months in jail, Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Director-General Tharit Pengdit said.
These protesters, who were arrested on Friday, were found guilty of violating the emergency law imposed in the capital by engaging in political gatherings of more than five people.