A second rally demanding the release of four prominent pro-democracy activists and abolishment of the lese majeste law will go down this afternoon at the same spot it first broke out yesterday.
Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, a 22-year-old student activist who’s become an instrumental voice in challenging the monarchy’s power, announced that the demonstration today will give fresh voice to the movement’s three key demands – the resignation of PM Prayuth Chan-o-cha, revision of the constitution, and reform of the monarchy.
“From today on, there will be another page turned against the feudal dictatorship after the most recent peak of COVID-19 infections,” Rung said after Tuesday night’s rally on the Pathumwan Skywalk outside the MBK Center. “Everyone, we can no longer wait. The street movement can’t be held back.”
She said Tuesday’s court decisions to deny bail to four prominent activists charged with royal insult was “a sign that they won’t compromise with us.”
The demonstration will start at 4pm today on the Pathumwan Skywalk outside the MBK Center.
An impromptu demonstration was held late yesterday afternoon after the court refused to free on bonds Arnon Nampa, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk and Patiwat “Bank” Saraiyaem. They were ordered held until trial on charges of insulting the king.
They and dozens of others have been charged in recent weeks under the draconian Section 112 of the criminal code, which could keep them detained behind bars for years until their trials are concluded. The charges targeted speeches made on stage at a Sept. 19 protest in Bangkok’s Sanam Luang. Some of the memorable moments included a fiery speech by Arnon announcing that they would install a plaque commemorating the 1932 revolt that ended absolute monarchy, which was greeted with thunderous applause.
Vow to restore missing Thai democracy plaque Sunday thunders from protest stage
#Abolish112 has once again risen to the top of Thai Twitter since last night. Violations of the law can result in up to 15 years in prison per offense. Prosecutions under the law reached a fevered pitch after the military seized power in 2014, citing its role in “protecting” the monarchy, but it was largely set aside following the ascension of King Vajiralongkorn to the throne.
A sudden, taboo-shattering burst of public criticism of his reign preceded its reintroduction to the arsenal of legal weapons deployed against dissidents.
The skywalk will likely be crowded today. The rally called by Rung today will coincide with another announced for the same location by another pro-democracy group, Ratsadon, who invited people to clang pots and pans as has been done daily in Myanmar to protest the military coup there. Ratsadon’s clamor will be made to demand the Prayuth administration offer meaningful relief to those affected by the pandemic.
“Prepare a pot or a wooden stick to make noise. Let’s shout and repel the dictators who are disguised in the form of a useless government,” Ratsadon announced.
Related
Thais to make some noise, Myanmar-style, against military rule
Protesters throng Bangkok’s royal field to demand change and challenge taboo
Vow to restore missing Thai democracy plaque Sunday thunders from protest stage
