Nearly 3,000 demonstrators, some of them with tears of joy, yesterday left the Wat Pathum Wanaram and all areas adjacent to the Rajprasong intersection for their homes.
These demonstrators said they had wanted to go back home since Wednesday but were too afraid to leave the temple. Rumours spread like wildfire among the demonstrators that those who stepped out would be shot.
Their fears were heightened after mysterious snipers shot and killed many victims nearby.
"A community leader brought me here, saying I should fight for democracy. But he simply disappeared at the time the soldiers were moving in," an elderly woman said.
"Then, someone suggested that I should seek solace inside the temple. The atmosphere was terrifying because gunshots were heard throughout the night and there were people running in and out all the time".
She said she would never attend a political rally in Bangkok again.
"But I think it should be okay to attend a rally in my home province of Kalasin," she said on condition of anonymity.
Of about 1,000 demonstrators inside the temple yesterday, 70 per cent were women, children and elderly persons. It took a lot of effort by police to persuade these demonstrators to step out of the temple. They were apparently worried about their safety.
Among those leaving the temple yesterday were unaccompanied children. Police are now trying to locate their parents.
Some 2,000 demonstrators were not at the temple. They simply remained inside their tents that were set up around the Rajprasong intersection. When the security officials moved in, they gradually moved to the National Police Office yesterday as instructed.
At the National Police Office, all demonstrators had to register themselves and were subjected to searches. Those wanted in any criminal cases or carrying weapons were detained. Those who brought along their own vehicles were still not allowed to drive home in their own vehicles. Police planned to keep their vehicles for record checks to see if they were used for any crime.
The demonstrators yesterday walked to the Rama I Road where the Transport Ministry had prepared buses to send them home or to meet their relatives.
Although many Pheu Thai MPs showed up at the National Police Office to offer these protesters a free ride, police barred them from intervening.
The Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation did not allow the MPs to offer transport to these demonstrators.
The state of emergency has now been declared in various provinces in the country.