At the oddly auspicious hour of 11:11pm last night, the 374th vote was cast putting Prayuth Chan-o-cha over the top to become the 30th prime minister of Thailand.
Groans of frustration and disappointment immediately echoed online as people melodramatically pronounced all remnants of democracy dead now that the end to five years of military rule was nowhere in sight.
Junta leader Prayuth named Thailand’s next prime minister after marathon debate
But Thailand is refusing to go down quietly. The meme clinics are working overtime as people come to terms with the irascible junta leader sticking around another four years. While despair still runs high with #RIPThailand, others are further along in processing their grief and showing anger with #NotMyPM and #ElectionCheat. It’s a telling sample of how people feel the day after – at least those handy with a keyboard.
First and foremost, Game of Thrones remains the currency of the meme realm, however the ending left folks hanging. @Noon_pum even went through the trouble of granting Prayuth elaborate titles, titles, titles.
Gen Prayuth of House Phalang Pracharat, First of His Name, Prime Minister of Thailand, Protector of the Realm, Lord of Kor Sor Chor, Breaker of Logic, Master of A.44, the Inpatient, the Banana Thrower, and the Father of Songwriters.
Long may he reign.#นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่30 pic.twitter.com/9VIxIs1jIl
— เจ๊แต๋ว (@noong_pum) June 6, 2019
Others, like ChicoGirl3, drew a parallel to that other dominant pop culture reference, Avengers: Endgame.
I think he has an ability to lead this Developing Country…to Underdeveloped Country. Black seems like a brighter color comparing to the future of Thailand. Democracy…lol say what?? #RIPTHAILAND #NotMyPM pic.twitter.com/YuFVWpps5B
— Chi-TownGirl (@ChicoGirl3) June 6, 2019
Many like @Lalisaomachy kept it short and sweet with a simple message.
Never #NotMyPM pic.twitter.com/VPgF8B0FvO
— TYNDARIDAE (@lalisaomachy) June 6, 2019
But it’s not just sassy memes and strongly worded tweets. Many netizens, including @Jkimyong, were detailing ways they believe Prayuth cheated to stay in power.
He is #NotMyPM
He is the worst cheater ever
You shouldn’t be proud Junta You don’t respect Thai people voice, they don’t want you and you know that SHAMELESS! Piece of sh*t #RIPTHAILAND #IdoitPMever #นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่30 pic.twitter.com/SCGun5dhSR— KimYong (@JKimyong) June 6, 2019
Like @Palidave, who also believes Prayuth secured power by remaking the rules and buying the referees. From designing a biased election and creating his own party to installing pliant election commissioners and punishing the opposition, Prayuth didn’t exactly leave a difficult trail to follow.
Thailand has authoritarian leader again.he have come by cheating all the way. #RIPTHAILAND #นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่30 #โกงเลือกตั้ง pic.twitter.com/TgXgN8s0uc
— Yveseve (@Palidaeve) June 6, 2019
@Bb_thk found a more creative way to express that same sentiment.
#นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่30 pic.twitter.com/8UF4W8EVor
— THK_bb (@bb_thk) June 6, 2019
Graduating from the three-finger Hunger Games salute used as a symbol of resistance since the 2014 coup, @Bamsirichot refuses to show the prime minister respect.
I don’t support GeneralPrayut Chan-o-cha. He’s not suitable to be prime minister. I support Thanathorn juangroongruangkit. 🧡🧡#นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่30 #RIPTHAILAND pic.twitter.com/xKCQCNR3a0
— bamsirichot (@bamsirichot) June 6, 2019
Conceptual artist and illustrator @Rinboz pointed out the dark future predicted two months ago.
I did this sketch back in April, and needless to say, I’m disgusted that it’s still relevant#RIPTHAILAND #NotMyPM #ตั้งรัฐบาล #เลือกนายก #ตู่พบธร pic.twitter.com/4jqphupjvc
— Salin S 🏳️🌈🇹🇭 (@rinboz) June 6, 2019
Meanwhile, Thanathorn Jungrungrangkit, the PM candidate for the seven-party coalition emerged from last night with higher stock than ever, with many like @2535Thipmanee rendering him in heroic terms.
You are hero for me #RIPTHAILAND pic.twitter.com/Lz64jCZ5EF
— Sugar_sweet (@2535Thipmanee) June 6, 2019
Others like @Emily_Zeed remain hopeful, however. Suggesting that this is not the end, but merely the dark before the dawn.
This might be just ‘Infinity War’ but ‘Endgame’ is coming. #RIPTHAILAND #ตั้งรัฐบาล#ธนาธรจึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ pic.twitter.com/srltFubqhs
— นางมารจากขุมนรกหมายเลขหก (@Emily_Zeed) June 6, 2019
