Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday (15/10/2020). They oppose the government’s massive dissolution action to block pro-democracy actions.
Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government declared a state of emergency. More than 20 activists were arrested.
Protesters chanted ‘Prayut Go’ and ‘Free Our Friends’. Demonstrators filled the Ratchaprasong area, despite the emergency status prohibiting gatherings of more than four people.
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Photo: AP / Gemunu Amarasinghe Pro-democracy protesters flash three-fingered salute during a protest as they occupied a main road at the central business district in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Thailand’s government declared a strict new state of emergency for the capital on Thursday, a day after a student-led protest against the country’s traditional establishment saw an extraordinary moment in which demonstrators heckled a royal motorcade. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)- – |
“You push us into a corner like dogs,” shouted one of the activist leaders, Panupong Jadnok in his speech.
“And with our backs against the wall, we will retaliate without harm.”
Students are also using social media to encourage people to take to the streets. Not only students, high school students also took part in the demonstration by covering the uniform labels with duct tape.
“I want democracy in this country,” said one of the students, Katherine, 13.
“I want to be part of the big change.”
Meanwhile, the police estimated that 10,000 protesters were present. The police also tried to disperse the crowd at 22.00 WIB.
“Everyone who gathered today, their actions are against the law,” deputy police spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen told AFP.
Thailand’s tense political situation has occurred since August. Where the masses shouted the Thai PM to step down and reform the kingdom.
The Thai government is considered authoritarian. The masses also asked for restrictions on the power of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Activists chanted the desire for the monarchy to adapt to modern times. This includes removing the royal defamation law, which protects the king from criticism, and asks the king not to get involved in politics.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s chief activist broadcast their arrest live on social media Facebook. Anon Numpa, a prominent activist, said he was forcibly taken by helicopter to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
“Without my lawyer,” he said.
Critical Situation
Leading opposition figure Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit warns of the dire situation. He asked those arrested to be released.
“The government must immediately find a way to respond to the demands of the protesters, otherwise the situation will spread nationwide,” he was quoted as saying on the same website.
There have been several popular uprisings in Thai history. Including the coup in 1932. But everything is related to the government and not the kingdom.
The opposition to monarchy was unprecedented. Because the influence of the royal family permeates every aspect of society.
However, since replacing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016, a number of movements have emerged towards the kingdom. The transfer of wealth from the independent Crown Property Bureau (CPB) and organizing Thai companies into the king’s estate has been criticized.
Raja Maha himself spent most of his time in Europe. But this week, he is in Thailand for the annual Buddhist ceremony and the anniversary of his father’s death.
Thailand itself has been hit by corona (Covid-19). The economy entered a recession, as a result of the negative GDP for two consecutive quarters. In the first quarter (yoy), economy -2%. In the second quarter, the economy -12.2%.
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