Thailand Prepares for a Shutdown

Thai authorities are preparing to cope with a massive rally aimed at paralyzing the capital on Monday as anti-government protesters intensify an ongoing bid to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. 

The protesters, led by former opposition politician Suthep Thaugsuban, say they will block seven key intersections in the heart of Bangkok, creating a potential traffic nightmare in a city of at least six million residents. 

Mr. Suthep and his mostly middle-class supporters accuse Ms. Yingluck of working to serve the interests of her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister ousted in a military-led coup in 2006. They also say they are opposed to a snap election on Feb. 2, which Ms. Yingluck's Pheu Thai party is projected to win. 

Mr. Suthep, who had been leading anti-government protests since November, said the shutdown will kick off Monday morning but has not specified when his battle against Ms. Yingluck will end. 

Thai authorities predict that the protests will affect at least one million commuters and more than one hundred transit routes, especially in inner Bangkok.
City officials have instructed about 140 government schools to close on Monday. 

The Ministry of Transport has urged Bangkok residents to use public transportation, including the city's elevated train, subway, buses and boats, to avoid getting stuck in gridlock caused by the rallies and blockades. To relieve traffic congestion, the ministry said it will provide free parking in at least 30 locations so commuters can connect to public transportation. The city's bus, boat, and train systems will also run more frequently to accommodate an increase in passenger numbers, which are expected to nearly double.