Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protestors from youth groups, civil society organizations, and people’s organizations have poured into the streets of Bangkok in resistance to the repression and abuse of Thailand’s junta. Following the military coup led by the now-Prime Minister Prayuth in 2014, the Thailand elite was granted the power to appoint and rule over the Parliament. Thus, facilitating the dissolution of opposition political parties through judicial intervention by the Constitutional Court and eventually, sparking the protests that denounce this stifling of democracy. The government has capitalized on the COVID-19 pandemic to suppress the people by resorting to violence and intimidation. Initially, it has restrained rallies from taking place. However, the ineffective government measures to contain the virus have enraged the people even more. The strict lockdown measures, harsh punishments, and delays in support for the poor, along with the continued attacks to democracy have strengthened the protestors’ resolve to rally and hit the streets bringing in the stronger presence of other sectors in the country.
Under the guise of “ensuring peace and order”, the Thai government has declared a State of Emergency on October 15, 2020 allowing them the power to violently and forcedly disperse the protesters. Despite the threat of prison, the emergency decree, and the arrest of protest leaders, the movement has not been deterred. They continuously demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut, amendments to the constitution, dissolution of the rigged Parliament, a new election, and an end to harassment of human rights activists and state critics. More radical protestors have also called for the reform of the Thai Monarchy. Civil society groups have also pointed out the longstanding inequality and injustice in the country.
In a statement, various civil society groups condemned the use of force during the student demonstration at Patumwan intersection on 16 October 2020. They also demanded to cease the use of the legal and justice system in suppressing the People, and therefore, the government must lift the State of Emergency. More importantly, they also called for a reform of the Monarchy to comply with democracy by, but not limited to, establishing a committee that will discuss this matter. What has been happening in Thailand is another evidence of dissatisfaction among citizens with their incompetent government leaders.
University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies Program on Alternative Development (UP CIDS AltDev)
Written by Micah Orlino & Rafael Dimalanta
Photos by Don Tajaroensuk of People’s Empowerment Foundation
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