According to political scientist and activist Pavin Chachavalpongpun, this generation has a different view of the monarchy. “Many in their twenties do not have a forced sense of love for the monarchy, and are not afraid to take to the streets. Just as people of my generation have.”
Criticism of the Thai monarchy is also growing online. Chachavalpongpun set up the popular Facebook page Royalist Marketplace, where a million members post mocking messages about the royal family.
The government forced Facebook to open that page to Thai visitors to block, but a new page was quickly created. It had half a million followers in no time, says Chachavalpongpun, who has decided to set up a new one for every blocked page.
Lhbti’ers
This summer’s demonstrations are also different from previous years, as young women and the LGBTI community play a big role. “This is the first time that that community has been able to send a message to the Thai people about the oppression of marginalized groups, ”said Khangpiboon, a trans woman herself, academician.
During demonstrations, fashion shows are held or female students leave theirs her cut short, something that goes against the house rules of most Thai universities and colleges. “It stands for breaking with tradition and loosening government control of what these young people are doing,” said Chachavalpongpun.
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