Thailand is no stranger to political unrest, with the latest wave starting in February 2020 and gaining momentum in the last few weeks. The elections in March 2019 re-elected Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, defeating the opposition Future Forward Party (FFP). Early this year, the popular pro-democracy party, which had won the third-largest share of seats in parliament under Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, was disbanded over an illegal loan case. This resulted in an uprising of mass street protests.
Revival of protests
With strict rules and regulations in place, breaking which could even lead to imprisonment, protests were eventually halted. However, the demonstrations and rallies resumed in June, when a prominent pro-democracy activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit was kidnapped. He was reported to be captured into a vehicle in Cambodia, where he was living in exile for six years. The protesters blamed the abduction on Thai national authorities, who denied the accusations.
These protests led to an emergency decree banning large gatherings being issued on 15th October 2020. This back-fired and amplified the protests further.
Thai political division
Thai political division consists of two primary camps: the red-shirts and yellow-shirts. The yellow party, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is made up of the urban middle-class population who have unquestioned loyalty for the monarchy. They also support the government under Prime minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and military control. On the other hand, red is the color of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). They include populists and leftists, who began as supporters of the billionaire ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They think of urban and military elites controlling Thai politics as a threat to democracy.
The rule of the Monarchy and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha
Prayuth Chan-o-cha became the Prime minister of Thailand after a military coup in 2014 and was re-installed in the 2019 elections. Over his half-decade rule, he extended the powers of the army and monarchy. Civil rights were weakened, and economic inequality worsened substantially.
While some citizens love and respect the Thai royal family, many think that King Maha-Vajilongkorn’s powers are far greater than necessary. The country has the world’s strictest lese-majeste laws: Article 112 of Thailand’s criminal code can punish anyone who “Defames, insults or threatens the king, the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent” with a jail term up to 15 years.
With the King spending most of his time abroad, protests escalated when he returned to the country recently.
Protesters demand for change
These protests, driven by a group called Free Youth, are growing rapidly as protesters call for the resignation of Prime Minister Chan-o-cha, and revaluation of the monarchy’s powers. The students have three main demands. Firstly, to dissolve the current government and parliament House. Secondly, for their military-scripted constitution to be rewritten. Thirdly, to end the intimidation and harassment of the critics and the general public by the authorities. Forms of violence have included firing stinging liquid, abduction, killing, charging crimes, and sedation.
In August, 21-year-old Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul put up a challenge for the monarchy on stage. She read out the currently famous 10-point manifesto urging the reform of the Thai monarchy, including proposals to cut down on the royal budget and military power, moderate its use of public funds, restrict interference in politics, and more. She delivered a speech that caused a massive uproar – some acclamation from liberals and some threats from royalists.
One of the Free Youth leaders has said that their aim is not to overthrow the monarchy, but to reform it.
Tactics used to make the protest more effective
Even though Thai authorities have banned the use of several apps and software that could have helped protesters, students came up with several other creative and effective methods to avoid censorship.
Thailand’s citizens are using the three-finger salute, a gesture of protest taken from the Hunger Games franchise, to establish their defiance against the current authoritarian government. Different hand-gestures for goggles, helmets, umbrellas, and other protective items were developed to coordinate protests. All the equipment is passed from person to person in a row. The methods they have been using are inspired by the 2019 Hong Kong protests.
Things from activists’ point of view
Anon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok are two of the leading protest organizers with not only determination but also a strong voice that encourages others to stand with them. “The dictatorship must be confronted by the people, even under the threat of arrest. We won’t step back. We will fight until our death.” said Panupong Jadnok. After police began to use violent methods like throwing water cannons and tear gas to disperse the rallies, activists initiated new strategies such as flash mobs, and called for everyone to be a leader to avoid arrest.
What the future holds
In the latest development, the Prime Minister revoked the state of emergency on 22nd October to de-escalate the situation. This move came after protesters marched to Government House in Bangkok and gave a three-day deadline for him to resign or face further demonstrations, which Chan-o-cha refused to do.
The peaceful protests that took place several years ago ended up in violence. This time the citizens won’t stop despite the risks. More and more people of all walks, except for devoted yellow shirts, are starting to join the ongoing pro-democracy movement. These young, spirited activists are determined to carry on with the demonstrations until they are successful in creating an impact on the government and monarchy.
Writer: Syeda Anisha Huq
Editor: Aryana Anisha Mahmud