For the first time in years, on Monday, thousands of students protested against the Thai monarchy. In an unprecedented move, pro-democracy protestors demanded an open discussion on the unassailable powers of the monarchy. They chanted “Long Live Democracy” at Thammasat University on the outskirts of Bangkok. “I cannot think of any parallel in modern Thai history to what’s happening right now,” said Matthew Wheeler, Bangkok-based senior analyst for the International Crisis Group.
Protests by students have been taking place daily. Their demands include the reversal of 2019 order under which two army units came under the King’s command, and a 2017 law giving the King complete control of the crown’s properties. In Thailand, the monarchy is a sensitive subject, and criticism of the Royals is a punishable offense. Under section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, known as the ‘lese majeste law’, forbids insulting the King. Cited as of one the “strictest” laws in the world, criticism of the monarchy can result in a jail term of up to 15 years, and since 2014 has been frequently used by the Thai military government to arrest dissenters.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha said student protesters “had gone too far” by demanding curbs on the monarchy’s powers. Last month, the PM issued a warning to protestors to not involve the monarchy. He maintained that King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who took the throne after his father’s death in 2016, had asked him not to arrest anyone under the lese majeste laws. However, human rights lawyer Arnan Nampa was arrested on August 7. He was later released on bail and “vowed” to continue protests “no matter what will happen”.
Confrontations have erupted between pro-democracy protestors and those loyal to the monarchy. For instance, Archeewa Chuay Chart (Vocational Students Helping the Nation), a pro-government student association that is aligned with the monarchy, accused the pro-democracy student protestors of having a “hidden agenda” and carried out a counter-rally in support of the King. Demonstrations are only expected to grow, with the Thai economy taking a beating amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Students Call for Democracy in Unprecedented Protests Against Thai Monarchy
Protestors called for restrictions on the ambit of the King’s powers.
August 12, 2020
Anon Nampa dressed as a wizard speaks during a Harry Porter-themed protest demanding the resignation of Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in Bangkok SOURCE: REUTERS/ATHIT PERAWONGMETHA