BANGKOK: Protesters in Bangkok on Saturday (Sep 19) repeated demands for the Thai monarchy to stay above politics and under the constitution in the biggest demonstration yet since a military coup in 2014.
They gathered at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok, to voice their opposition against the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and call for reforms, including the monarchy.
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Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
“If we cant change this, well never have democracy,” said civil rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampha, who was recently released from jail after breaking his bail conditions.
He has been actively involved in recent student-led demonstrations and openly called for reforms of the monarchy in Thailand, where the lese majeste law imposes jail terms of three to 15 years.
In his speech on Saturday, Anon questioned if the annual budget allocations for the monarchy could be cut, and whether the kings constitutional powers could be reduced.
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“We want to see our country stay under the constitutional monarchy. We do not think otherwise,” he said.
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
READ: Thai protesters kick off weekend of rallies
READ: Thai PM pledges to maintain peace during planned anti-government protest
Saturday marked the 14th anniversary of the previous military coup, which ousted the caretaker government of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra following months of political turmoil and street protests.
The Sep 19 rally is one of many recent demonstrations led by youths to call for various reforms in Thailand, including the removal of its lese majeste law.
It was organised by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) and began in the late morning on Saturday, when protesters gathered outside Thammasat University. This was despite the universitys announcement last week to prohibit the rally in its compound.
People gathered around in front of the universitys gate facing Sanam Luang, including student activists Panupong "Mike" Jadnok and Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul. The crowds demanded that university staff unlock the gate and let them inside, which was what happened soon after.
Security officers observing the protesters at Sanam Luang. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
One of the protesters 40-year-old Supatra Pranakhon told CNA she travelled by bus for eight hours from Loei in northeastern Thailand to show her support. She believes the youths are doing the right thing by “fighting for democracy” and calling for political reforms, saying the country is in “terrible” shape.
“Young people these days are expressive. They dare to think and take action. Theyre better than those in the past, who didnt dare,” said Supatra.
“Our prime minister is incompetent and lacks leadership. He already staged a coup and seized power. Now its time to return the power to the people. Let others run the country.”
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
The rally on Saturday is not Supatra's first. Six years ago, she took part in the Peoples Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)s demonstration against the democratically elected government under then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, which paved the way for the 2014 coup.
It was led by Prayut, who was the army chief then, and welcomed by several PDRC supporters.
Today, Supatra has joined a movement calling for the end of his rule.
“I dont like this government. Theyve stayed in power for too long. Nothing has improved,” she said.
“Youve already seized power. You should let go now. You shouldnt even be prime minister. You should return the power to someone else, someone competent.”
In the evening, a stage was set up at Sanam Luang nearby before demonstrators relocated to the public square as the crowds grew.
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in BaRead More – Source
BANGKOK: Protesters in Bangkok on Saturday (Sep 19) repeated demands for the Thai monarchy to stay above politics and under the constitution in the biggest demonstration yet since a military coup in 2014.
They gathered at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok, to voice their opposition against the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and call for reforms, including the monarchy.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
“If we cant change this, well never have democracy,” said civil rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampha, who was recently released from jail after breaking his bail conditions.
He has been actively involved in recent student-led demonstrations and openly called for reforms of the monarchy in Thailand, where the lese majeste law imposes jail terms of three to 15 years.
In his speech on Saturday, Anon questioned if the annual budget allocations for the monarchy could be cut, and whether the kings constitutional powers could be reduced.
Advertisement
Advertisement
“We want to see our country stay under the constitutional monarchy. We do not think otherwise,” he said.
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
READ: Thai protesters kick off weekend of rallies
READ: Thai PM pledges to maintain peace during planned anti-government protest
Saturday marked the 14th anniversary of the previous military coup, which ousted the caretaker government of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra following months of political turmoil and street protests.
The Sep 19 rally is one of many recent demonstrations led by youths to call for various reforms in Thailand, including the removal of its lese majeste law.
It was organised by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) and began in the late morning on Saturday, when protesters gathered outside Thammasat University. This was despite the universitys announcement last week to prohibit the rally in its compound.
People gathered around in front of the universitys gate facing Sanam Luang, including student activists Panupong "Mike" Jadnok and Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul. The crowds demanded that university staff unlock the gate and let them inside, which was what happened soon after.
Security officers observing the protesters at Sanam Luang. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
One of the protesters 40-year-old Supatra Pranakhon told CNA she travelled by bus for eight hours from Loei in northeastern Thailand to show her support. She believes the youths are doing the right thing by “fighting for democracy” and calling for political reforms, saying the country is in “terrible” shape.
“Young people these days are expressive. They dare to think and take action. Theyre better than those in the past, who didnt dare,” said Supatra.
“Our prime minister is incompetent and lacks leadership. He already staged a coup and seized power. Now its time to return the power to the people. Let others run the country.”
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to call for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
The rally on Saturday is not Supatra's first. Six years ago, she took part in the Peoples Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)s demonstration against the democratically elected government under then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, which paved the way for the 2014 coup.
It was led by Prayut, who was the army chief then, and welcomed by several PDRC supporters.
Today, Supatra has joined a movement calling for the end of his rule.
“I dont like this government. Theyve stayed in power for too long. Nothing has improved,” she said.
“Youve already seized power. You should let go now. You shouldnt even be prime minister. You should return the power to someone else, someone competent.”
In the evening, a stage was set up at Sanam Luang nearby before demonstrators relocated to the public square as the crowds grew.
Protesters gather at Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the Royal Palace in BaRead More – Source
