No edit summary |
No edit summary Tag: Reverted |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Pro-democracy demonstrations and other civil disobedience in Thailand}}{{EngvarB|date=July 2020}} |
|||
{{user sandbox|plain=yes|noindex=yes}} |
|||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} |
|||
{{signpost-subscription|right|collapse=yes}} |
|||
{{Infobox civil conflict |
|||
| title = 2020 Thai protests |
|||
| subtitle = |
|||
| partof = |
|||
| image = {{Photomontage |
|||
| photo1a = Protest in 2020 Democracy Monument (I).jpg |
|||
| photo2a = มศว คนรุ่นเปลี่ยน ประท้วงการยุบพรรคอนาคตใหม่ 02.jpg |
|||
| photo2b = Harry Protest Thailand 03082020.jpg |
|||
| photo3a = Dispersal of protests in Bangkok, 16 October 2020.jpg |
|||
| photo3b = 'ออแร ตานิง ตาเละห์เอาะ' เยาวชนนัดแฟลชม็อบ 'ปาตานีจะไม่ทน.jpg |
|||
| position = centre |
|||
| size = 280 |
|||
| color = #F5F5F5 |
|||
| border = 0 |
|||
| color_border = white |
|||
| spacing = 3 |
|||
| foot_montage = |
|||
}} |
|||
| caption = ''Clockwise from top:'' {{hlist | |
|||
<!-- 1 -->Protesters at the [[Democracy Monument]] in Bangkok on 18 July | |
|||
<!-- 2b -->A student protester reading demands on monarchical reform on 3 August. | |
|||
<!-- 3b -->Demonstration in Pattani Province on 2 August. | |
|||
<!-- 3a -->Dispersal of protests at Patumwan Intersection on 16 October. | |
|||
<!-- 2a -->at [[Srinakharinwirot University]] [[Ongkharak District|Ongkharak]] Campus in [[Nakhon Nayok Province|Nakhon Nayok]] in February. }} |
|||
| date = {{plainlist| |
|||
* Phase 1: February 2020 |
|||
* Phase 2: Since {{Start date|2020|07|18|df=yes}}<br />({{Age in years, months and days|2020|07|18|sc=y}}) |
|||
}} |
|||
| place = [[Thailand]], including some overseas protests. |
|||
| causes = |
|||
* Dissolution of the pro-democracy [[Future Forward Party]] |
|||
* Political corruption scandals, including [[1MDB]]<ref name="bbc32"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Banned Thai opposition party says junta helped 1MDB cover-up |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-politics/banned-thai-opposition-party-says-junta-helped-1mdb-cover-up-idUSKCN20H0AD |accessdate=15 August 2020 |work=Reuters |date=23 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
* Distrust in the [[2019 Thai general election|2019 general election]] and the current political system, [[Illiberal democracy|competitive authoritarianism and illiberal democracy]] |
|||
* [[Equality before the law|Legal inequality]] |
|||
* [[LGBT rights in Thailand|LGBT discrimination]] |
|||
* Economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic |
|||
* [[Human rights in Thailand|Human rights abuses]] |
|||
* Increasing royal prerogative and [[Lèse majesté in Thailand|lèse majesté law]] |
|||
| goals = |
|||
<!-- EDIT BELOW THIS LINE --> |
|||
* Dissolution of the [[House of Representatives (Thailand)|House]] and fresh legislative elections |
|||
===To-do=== |
|||
* Ending intimidation of the people |
|||
*[[Treaty of Montgomery]] |
|||
* Drafting a new constitution |
|||
*Sort out links |
|||
* Abolition of the military-appointed [[Senate of Thailand|Senate]] |
|||
<!-- Improve the quality of Wikipedia's coverage on protests in Cambodia and Thailand. --> |
|||
* Amendment of royal prerogative and lèse majesté law |
|||
*[[2013–14 Cambodian protests]] |
|||
* |
* Increasing civil, economic and political rights |
||
| methods = [[Demonstration (political)|Demonstrations]], [[sit-in]]s, flash protests, [[online activism]], [[petition]], [[protest art]] |
|||
| status = Ongoing |
|||
* Halted for five months due to academia shut down. |
|||
* "Severe" [[state of emergency]] declared in Bangkok 15–22 October. |
|||
| result = |
|||
| concessions = |
|||
Study committee on constitutional amendment set up. |
|||
| casualties_label = |
|||
| fatalities = |
|||
| injuries = 10+ {{efn|Compiled from multiple sources:<!-- |
|||
+1 --><ref>{{cite news|title=สภาวุ่น! ม็อบปิดทางออกรัฐสภา-บุกปีนรั้วเจ็บ 1 คน|url=https://news.thaipbs.or.th/content/296820|accessdate=24 September 2020|work=ไทยพีบีเอส}}</ref><!-- |
|||
+1 --><ref>{{cite news|title=|url=https://www.khaosod.co.th/politics/news_5109779|accessdate=14 October 2020|work=ข่าวสด}}</ref><!-- |
|||
+7 --><ref>{{cite news |title=คณะราษฎรเดินหน้าชุมนุมต่อวันที่ 4-สรุปบาดเจ็บ 7 คน |url=https://news.thaipbs.or.th/content/297456 |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work=Thai PBS |date=17 October 2020}}</ref><!-- |
|||
+1 --><ref name="mgr2210"/>}} |
|||
| arrests = 167+{{efn|name=arrest|Compiled from multiple sources:<!-- |
|||
1 --><ref>{{Cite news|title=ออกหมายจับแกนนำชุมนุมต่อต้านรัฐบาล-ปราศรัยวิจารณ์สถาบันกษัตริย์|language=th|work=BBC News ไทย|url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-53691243|access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref><!-- |
|||
2 --><ref>{{Cite web|title=จับแล้ว! 'ภาณุพงศ์ จาดนอก' กำลังถูกนำตัวไป สน.สำราญราษฎร์|url=https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/892720|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Bangkok Biznews/|language=en}}</ref><ref name="aa">{{Cite web|last=English|first=Khaosod|date=10 August 2020|title=Anti-Govt Protesters Detained, Given 'Attitude Adjustment' in Jungle|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/08/10/anti-govt-protesters-detained-given-attitude-adjustment-in-jungle/|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref><!-- |
|||
(+5) 7 --><ref name="Reuter1408">{{cite news |title=Thai police arrest another leader of student protests |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-protests/thai-police-arrest-another-leader-of-student-protests-rights-group-says-idUSKCN25A1HQ?il=0 |accessdate=15 August 2020 |work=Reuters |date=14 August 2020}}</ref><!-- |
|||
8 --><ref>{{cite news |title=โดนแล้ว! ตำรวจบุกรวบ 'เพนกวิน' หลังถูกแจ้งจับ ผิดมาตรา116 |url=https://www.thaipost.net/main/detail/74448 |accessdate=14 August 2020 |work=Thai Post |language=th}}</ref><!-- |
|||
9 --><ref>{{cite news |title=รวบ 'บารมี ชัยรัตน์' คดีชุมนุมเยาวชนปลดแอก 18 ก.ค. |url=https://voicetv.co.th/read/BvqBm1TFg |accessdate=19 August 2020 |work=VoiceTV | language= Thai}}</ref><!--<ref>{{cite news |title='Rap Against Dictatorship' artist arrested in Thailand |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/dictatorship-artist-arrested-thailand-200820023116393.html |accessdate=20 August 2020 |work=Aljazeera}}</ref><!-- |
|||
(+5) 14 --><ref>{{cite news |title=หยุดไม่อยู่ แฟลชม็อบทุกวัน ตร.จับ 9 แกนปลดแอกส่งฝากขัง-ศาลให้ประกัน ตั้งเงื่อนไขห้ามผิดซ้ำ |url=https://www.matichon.co.th/local/crime/news_2316399 |accessdate=21 August 2020 |work=มติชนออนไลน์ |date=21 August 2020 }}</ref><!-- |
|||
(+2) 16 --><ref>{{cite news |title="ทัตเทพ-ภานุมาศ" ได้รับการปล่อยตัวแล้ว นักวิชาการ-ส.ส. ช่วยประกัน |url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-53915699 |accessdate=26 August 2020 |work=BBC ไทย |language=th}}</ref><!-- |
|||
(+51) 67 --><ref name="ks1610"/><!-- |
|||
(+100+) 167 --><ref name="pcc1610"/> |
|||
}} |
|||
| charged = 63+{{efn|Compiled from multiple sources:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Emergency Decree used against anti-government protesters despite authorities' claim, says TLHR|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8753|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Prachatai English|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=admin010|date=27 August 2020|title=เปิดสถิติคดีพ.ร.ก.ฉุกเฉินฯ อย่างน้อย 17 คดี 63 ราย แม้รัฐบาลอ้างไม่ใช้กับการชุมนุม|url=https://www.tlhr2014.com/?p=20836|access-date=31 August 2020|website=ศูนย์ทนายความเพื่อสิทธิมนุษยชน (THAI LAWYERS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS)|language=th}}</ref>}} |
|||
| damage = |
|||
==Useful Links== |
|||
| buildings = <!-- Please adding source --> |
|||
{{collapse|1= |
|||
| side1 = '''Protesters and organisations:''' <br />(''no centralised leadership'') |
|||
<center>[[WP:DBD|Dashboard]] • [[Wikipedia:Short popular vital articles|Short popular vital articles]] • [[Wikipedia:Vital articles|Vital articles]]</center> |
|||
* Khana Ratsadon 2563 |
|||
{{collapse|1= |
|||
* Free People (from Free Youth) |
|||
Shortcuts |
|||
* Democracy Restoration Group |
|||
* [[Special:NewPages|List of new pages]] |
|||
* Student Union of Thailand |
|||
* [[Special:NewPagesFeed|Page curation]] |
|||
* Free Thoey |
|||
* [https://toolserver.org/~earwig/copyvios Copyright violation detector] |
|||
* Campaigning Group for Constitution of the People |
|||
Guidance |
|||
* National Labour Assembly |
|||
* [[WP:FIELD|Additional CSD Guidance]] > A7 [[WP:SIGNIF]] |
|||
* [[Assembly of the Poor]] |
|||
|2=<center>[[WP:NPP|New Page Patrol]]</center>}} |
|||
* Labour Network for People's Rights |
|||
{{collapse|1= |
|||
* Vocational College Protection of Democracy of Thailand |
|||
[[WP:CVU|CVU]] |
|||
* 'Bad Students'<!-- sig --> Group |
|||
* [[Wikipedia:Twinkle|Twinkle]] ([[WP:TW/DOC|Documentation]]) |
|||
* University, college, and high school students of |
|||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Krinkle/RTRC Real-time recent changes] ([http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Krinkle/Tools/Real-Time_Recent_Changes Documentation]) |
|||
{{Collapsible list |
|||
* [[Special:RecentChanges|recent changes]] |
|||
| title = See full list |
|||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:RecentChanges&tagfilter=possible+vandalism Recent changes [[Wikipedia:Tags|tagged]] as possible vandalism] |
|||
| <!-- alphabetically --> |
|||
* [[WP:WARN|User warnings directory]] (Full texts: [[WP:MLT|multi-level]]/[[WP:SLT|single-level]]) |
|||
Pending changes |
|||
* [[Special:StablePages|List of pages using pending changes]] |
|||
* [[Special:PendingChanges|List of pages with edits needing review]] |
|||
* [[WP:DBD#Requested edits|List of requested edits]] |
|||
|2=<center>[[WP:RCP|Recent Changes Patrol]]</center>}} |
|||
{{collapse|1= |
|||
[[Wikipedia:Welcoming committee|Welcoming Committee]] |
|||
* [[Special:Log/newusers|List of new users]] |
|||
* [{{fullurl:Special:Contributions|contribs=newbie}} New users' contributions] |
|||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:RecentChanges&tagfilter=gettingstarted+edit Recent changes tagged as new editor getting started] |
|||
[[Wikipedia:Teahouse|Teahouse]] |
|||
* [[Wikipedia:Teahouse/Host lounge|Host Lounge]] |
|||
* [[Wikipedia:Teahouse/Questions|Questions]] |
|||
|2=<center>Welcoming New Users</center>}} |
|||
{{collapse|1= |
|||
[[WP:PR|Peer Review]] |
|||
[[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/All|Requests for Comment]] |
|||
[[WP:AfC|Articles for Creation]] |
|||
[[WP:FAC|Featured article candidates]]/[[WP:FAR|review]] |
|||
|2=<center>Feedback</center>}} |
|||
{{collapse|1= |
|||
[[Wikipedia:WikiProject Guild of Copy Editors|Guild of Copy Editors]] |
|||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikipedia_articles_needing_copy_edit Copy editing backlog] |
|||
|2=<center>[[WP:COPYEDIT|Copy Editing]]</center>}} |
|||
|2=<center>Useful links</center>|expand=yes |bg=#ADD8E6}} |
|||
* [[Chiang Mai University]] |
|||
{{Template:Wikipedia policies and guidelines}} |
|||
* [[Chulalongkorn University]] |
|||
* [[Mahanakorn University of Technology]] |
|||
* [[Kasetsart University]] |
|||
* [[Ramkhamhaeng University]] |
|||
* [[Srinakharinwirot University]] |
|||
* [[Suranaree University of Technology]] |
|||
* [[Thammasat University]] |
|||
* [[Triam Udom Suksa School]] |
|||
* [[Ubon Ratchathani University]] |
|||
etc. |
|||
}} |
|||
---- |
|||
Sympathetic media |
|||
{{Collapsible list |
|||
| title = See full list |
|||
| <!-- alphabetically --> |
|||
* ''[[Prachatai]]'' |
|||
* ''SpokeDarkTV'' |
|||
* ''[[Voice TV]]'' |
|||
* ''The Reporters'' |
|||
* ''The Standard'' |
|||
* ''Thai Enquirer'' |
|||
}} |
|||
| side2 = <p> |
|||
* [[File:Seal of the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand.svg|20px]] [[Second Prayut cabinet|Prayut coalition government]] |
|||
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Royal_Thai_Armed_Forces_HQ.svg}} [[Royal Thai Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] |
|||
** [[Internal Security Operations Command]] |
|||
* {{flagicon image|Thai_National_Police_Flag.svg}} [[Royal Thai Police|Police]] |
|||
* Pro-government citizens |
|||
{{Collapsible list |
|||
| title = See full list |
|||
| <!-- alphabetically --> |
|||
* Thai Citizens who Love and Revere the Monarchy Group |
|||
* Vocational [students]<!-- not a link --> Help the Nation{{efn|Later found to be associated with a minor junior coalition partner [[Action Coalition for Thailand]].}} |
|||
* [[Rubbish Collection Organization]] |
|||
* Coordination Center of Vocational Students for the Protection of National Institutions (CVPI) |
|||
* Loyal Thai (Thai Pakdee) |
|||
}} |
|||
---- |
|||
''Supported by:'' |
|||
* {{flagicon image|King's Standard of Thailand.svg}} [[Monarchy of Thailand|Monarchy]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 October 2020|title=Thailand's unprecedented revolt pits the people against the King|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/13/asia/thailand-protest-panusaya-king-intl-hnk/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0vV33KpV_mYdzGpJwsYgQOqjJU9lUE09JjZ-4p5Q2IbZbZQCIcXYmcfdE|access-date=16 October 2020|website=CNN|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
---- |
|||
Sympathetic media |
|||
{{Collapsible list |
|||
| title = See full list |
|||
| <!-- alphabetically --> |
|||
* ''[[Manager Daily|Manager]]'' |
|||
* ''Naewna'' |
|||
* ''[[Thai Post]]'' |
|||
* ''[[Nation Multimedia Group]]'' |
|||
}} |
|||
| leadfigures1 = |
|||
{{plainlist| |
|||
* [[Anon Nampa]]<ref name="bangkokbiznews">{{Cite web|title=คุม 'ทนายอานนท์ – ไมค์' ส่งศาลแล้วทั้งคู่ ทามกลางมวลชนนับร้อย|url=https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/892779|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Bangkok Biznews/|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
* [[Panupong Jadnok]]<ref name="bangkokbiznews"/> |
|||
* [[Parit Chiwarak]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=ผู้สนับสนุนเรียกร้อง ตร. ปล่อยตัว "เพนกวิน" พริษฐ์ ชิวารักษ์|language=th|work=BBC News ไทย|url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-53774842|access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref> |
|||
* [[Jatupat Boonpattararaksa|Jatupat Boonpattararaksa]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Arrests heighten rally concerns|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2001555/arrests-heighten-rally-concerns|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
* [[Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul]]<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 September 2020|title=The student daring to challenge Thailand's monarchy|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54182002|access-date=17 September 2020}}</ref> |
|||
| latitude = |longitude=}} |
|||
| leadfigures2 = |
|||
{{plainlist| |
|||
* [[Prayut Chan-o-cha]] |
|||
* [[Apirat Kongsompong]] |
|||
* Narongpan Jittkaewtae |
|||
* [[Chakthip Chaijinda]] }} |
|||
|howmany1 = {{plainlist| |
|||
* '''18 July:''' |
|||
* 2,500 |
|||
* '''16 August:''' |
|||
* 20,000–25,000 |
|||
* '''19 September:''' |
|||
* 20,000–100,000 |
|||
}} |
|||
| sidebox = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Politics of Thailand}} |
|||
The ongoing '''2020 Thai protests''' are a series of protests against the government of Prime Minister [[Prayut Chan-o-cha]], which have included demands for reform of the [[Monarchy of Thailand|Thai monarchy]], unprecedented in the contemporary era. The protests were initially triggered by the dissolution of the [[Future Forward Party]] in late February 2020. The party was critical of Prayut and the country's political landscape designed by the current 2017 [[Constitution of Thailand|constitution]]. The protesters are mostly students and young people without an overall leader.<ref>{{cite news|title=Explainer: What's behind Thailand's protests?|date=15 October 2020|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-protests-reasons-explainer-idUSKBN2700IX|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref> |
|||
This first wave of protests was held exclusively on academic campuses and was brought to a halt by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand|COVID-19 pandemic]]. Protests resumed again on 18 July with a large demonstration organized under the Free Youth umbrella at the [[Democracy Monument]] in Bangkok. Three demands were presented to the [[Government of Thailand]]: the dissolution of parliament, ending intimidation of the people, and the drafting of a new constitution. The July protests were triggered by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and enforcement of the lockdown Emergency Decree and spread nationwide. |
|||
On 3 August, two student groups publicly raised demands to reform the monarchy, breaking a long taboo of publicly criticizing the monarchy. A week later, ten demands for monarchy reform were declared. A 19 September rally saw 20,000–100,000 protesters and has been described as an open challenge to [[Vajiralongkorn|King Vajiralongkorn]]. A government decision to delay voting on a constitutional amendment in late September fueled nearly unprecedented<ref>{{Cite book|last=Jory|first=Patrick|url=https://www.academia.edu/7076845|title=A Sarong for Clio|date=31 December 2019|publisher=Cornell University Press|isbn=978-1-5017-2593-7|editor1-last=Peleggi|editor1-first=Maurizio|location=|pages=97–118|language=en|chapter=Chapter Five. Republicanism in Thai History|doi=10.7591/9781501725937-007}}</ref> public republican sentiment. Following mass protests on 14 October, a "severe" [[state of emergency]] was declared in Bangkok the next day, citing the alleged blocking of a royal motorcade. Emergency powers were extended to the authorities on top of those already given by the Emergency Decree since March. Protests continued despite the ban, prompting a crackdown by police on 16 October using [[water cannon]]. The severe emergency measures were lifted on 22 October. |
|||
Government responses have included filing criminal charges using the Emergency Decree; arbitrary detention and police intimidation; delaying tactics; the deployment of [[Internal Security Operations Command|military information warfare units]]; media censorship; the mobilization of pro-government and royalist groups; which have accused the protesters of receiving support from foreign governments or [[non-governmental organization]]s (NGOs) as part of a global conspiracy against Thailand; and the deployment of thousands of police at protests. The government has ordered university chancellors to prevent students from demanding monarchy reform and to identify student protest leaders. Protests in October, when the King returned to the country from Germany,<ref name=bengali_16102020>{{Cite news|last=Bengali|first=Shashank|last2=Kirschbaum|first2=Erik|title=A royal bubble bursts: Thailand’s king faces trouble on two continents|date=16 October 2020|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-10-16/thailand-king-faces-protests-at-home-legal-questions-abroad|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> have resulted in the deployment of the military, riot police, and mass arrests. |
|||
== Background == |
|||
=== Direct causes === |
|||
Over the previous 90 years in Thailand, elected governments have frequently been overthrown by military [[coup]]s.<ref name=paddock_21102020/> As head of the [[Royal Thai Army]], [[Prayut Chan-o-cha]] instigated the [[2014 Thai coup d'état]] and led the [[National Council for Peace and Order]] (NCPO), the [[military junta]] which came to power following the coup. Prayuth was eventually appointed Prime Minister, and the NCPO ruled the country for five years, during which political and civil rights were restricted, and economic inequality widened.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Montesano, Michael John, III, 1961– editor. Chong, Terence, editor. Heng, Mark, editor.|title=After the coup : the National Council for Peace and Order era and the future of Thailand|date=7 January 2019|isbn=978-981-4818-98-8|oclc=1082521938}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kongkirati|first1=Prajak|last2=Kanchoochat|first2=Veerayooth|date=2018|title=The Prayuth Regime: Embedded Military and Hierarchical Capitalism in Thailand|journal=TRaNS: Trans -Regional and -National Studies of Southeast Asia|volume=6|issue=2|pages=279–305|doi=10.1017/trn.2018.4|issn=2051-364X|doi-access=free}}</ref> A [[2016 Thai constitutional referendum|disputed referendum]], widely called unfree and unfair,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=McCargo|first1=Duncan|last2=T Alexander|first2=Saowanee|last3=Desatova|first3=Petra|date=31 December 2016|title=Ordering Peace: Thailand's 2016 Constitutional Referendum|journal=Contemporary Southeast Asia|volume=39|issue=1|pages=65–95|doi=10.1355/cs39-1b|issn=0129-797X}}</ref> was held in 2016 to approve a [[2017 Constitution of Thailand|new military-drafted constitution]]. Analysts have described the new constitution as favouring the military and disadvantaging large political parties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thailand’s King Seeks to Bring Back Absolute Monarchy |url=https://www.economist.com/briefing/2020/10/14/thailands-king-seeks-to-bring-back-absolute-monarchy |accessdate=24 October 2020 |work=The Economist |date=14 October 2020}}</ref> It includes a junta-appointed Senate, empowered to vote for the Prime Minister for five years, allowing the military to select two prime ministers in the future,<ref name=":02" /> and binds future governments to a 20-year national strategy 'road map' laid down the NCPO, effectively locking the country into the period of [[guided democracy|military-guided democracy]] with a much reduced role for politicians at both national and local levels.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Montesano|first=Michael J.|date=2019|title=The Place of the Provinces in Thailand's Twenty-Year National Strategy: Toward Community Democracy in a Commercial Nation?|url=https://www.iseas.edu.sg/images/pdf/ISEAS_Perspective_2019_60.pdf|journal=ISEAS Perspective|volume=2019|issue=60|pages=1–11|via=}}</ref> |
|||
The [[2019 Thai general election]], which was considered "partly free and not fair" and as [[electoral authoritarianism]], and has been described as a 'political ritual',<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal|last=Sawasdee|first=Siripan Nogsuan|date=12 December 2019|title=Electoral integrity and the repercussions of institutional manipulations: The 2019 general election in Thailand|journal=Asian Journal of Comparative Politics|volume=5|issue=1|pages=52–68|doi=10.1177/2057891119892321|s2cid=213208424|issn=2057-8911}}</ref> nominally brought an end to the NCPO, but the political system continued in the form of a Myanmar-style civil-military party, [[Palang Pracharath Party|Palang Pracharat Party]], which essentially continues the NCPO's policies and orders as a form of [[competitive authoritarianism]].<ref name=":02" /> The coalition government is composed of pro-Prayut camps and smaller parties who benefited from multiple technical interpretations of the election law by a military-controlled Election Commission, including a 44-day hiatus while the election laws were reinterpreted to pave way for a coalition with the state military party at the helm.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=EC to push ahead with formula|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1667044/ec-to-push-ahead-with-formula|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=23 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=EC seat move is hijacking|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1674964/ec-seat-move-is-hijacking|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=23 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ricks|first=Jacob I.|date=1 September 2019|title=Thailand's 2019 Vote: The General's Election|journal=Pacific Affairs|language=en|volume=92|issue=3|pages=443–457|doi=10.5509/2019923443|issn=0030-851X|url=https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/3074}}</ref> Via NCPO mechanisms, Prayut has appointed allies to the [[Senate of Thailand|Senate]], [[Constitutional Court of Thailand|Constitutional Court]], various [[Constitutional organizations of Thailand|Constitutional organizations]], including the [[Election Commission of Thailand|Election Commission]], and the [[National Anti-Corruption Commission (Thailand)|National Anti-Corruption Commission]]<ref name=":02" /> as well as officials at the [[Organization of the government of Thailand|local government]] level. Substantively amending the Constitution is almost impossible as it would require both Senate support and a referendum.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Senate must give way|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1973291/senate-must-give-way|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=24 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> Numerous generals, as well as people with historical links to [[organized crime]] (e.g., [[Thamanat Prompow|Thammanat Prompao]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Michael Ruffles, Michael|date=8 September 2019|title=From sinister to minister: politician's drug trafficking jail time revealed|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/from-sinister-to-minister-politician-s-drug-trafficking-jail-time-revealed-20190906-p52opz.html|access-date=23 August 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref>) hold key ministerial positions in Second Prayut Cabinet.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=McCargo|first=Duncan|date=2019|title=Southeast Asia's Troubling Elections: Democratic Demolition in Thailand|journal=Journal of Democracy|volume=30|issue=4|pages=119–133|doi=10.1353/jod.2019.0056|s2cid=208688810|issn=1086-3214}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=McCargo|first1=Duncan|last2=Alexander|first2=Saowanee T.|date=2019|title=Thailand's 2019 Elections: A State of Democratic Dictatorship?|journal=Asia Policy|volume=26|issue=4|pages=89–106|doi=10.1353/asp.2019.0050|s2cid=208625542|issn=1559-2960}}</ref> |
|||
During the 2019 general election, the [[Future Forward Party]] (FFP) was received well by progressives and youths, who viewed it as an alternative to traditional political parties and as against the NCPO,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=McCARGO|first=DUNCAN|date=2019|title=Anatomy: Future Backward|journal=Contemporary Southeast Asia|volume=41|issue=2|pages=153–162|doi=10.1355/cs41-2a|jstor=26798844|issn=0129-797X}}</ref> revealing a socio-political [[Cleavage (politics)|cleavage]] along generational lines,<ref name=":02" /> i.e., between Thai youth and the ruling Thai [[gerontocracy]]. The party won the third-largest share of parliamentary seats.<ref name=":12"/> After eleven months of the coalition, an opposition FFP became short-lived when it was dissolved by the Constitutional Court, as the [[House of Representatives of Thailand|House]] about to debate on [[motion of no confidence]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=News|first=A. B. C.|title=Court in Thailand orders popular opposition party dissolved|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thai-court-orders-popular-opposition-party-dissolved-69120382|access-date=23 August 2020|website=ABC News|language=en}}</ref> Former FFP members stressed the regime's corruption and were active in exposing the junta's involvement in the [[1MDB scandal]].<ref name="bbc32">{{Cite web|date=28 February 2020|title=แฟลชม็อบนักเรียน-นักศึกษา ประกายไฟในกระทะ หรือ เพลิงลามทุ่ง|trans-title=Student flash mobs: sparks in pan or spreading fire?|url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-51640629|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020|website=BBC Thai|language=th}}</ref> |
|||
=== Underlying causes === |
|||
Further sources of grievance, many of which the FFP championed, include [[Abortion-rights movements|abortion rights]]; authoritarianism in Thai schools (including [[hazing]]); education reform; [[Labor rights|labour rights]] (trade unionism); military reform (e.g., ending [[conscription]] and reducing the defense budget, including the purchase of submarines<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Subs plan could sink govt fortunes|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1973239/subs-plan-could-sink-govt-fortunes|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=24 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref>), [[Monopoly|monopolies]] (e.g., alcohol), and women's rights.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=All you need to know about Thai protests|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8734|access-date=23 August 2020|website=Prachatai English|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
Since assuming the throne from his father, King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]], King [[Vajiralongkorn]] has enjoyed an enormous increase in personal wealth and power of approximately US$40 billion,<ref name="kings_money_ft">{{Cite news|last=Reed|first=John|date=13 October 2020|title=The king's money: Thailand divided over the $40bn question|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/251d8aea-6939-4166-afe6-2df0176e0f8f|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> making him one of the world's richest monarchs.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=16 September 2020|title=Thais question king's spending as economy takes hit from Covid-19|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/5982dd0c-5312-4918-847e-f206b1a0b192?fbclid=IwAR0cOLJJPJR8EX3Cn-obD6A3bK9aOzHJ-u8Tkjer5h9MEfyCNIiytaG9-q4|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> Most of the time he lives in Germany,<ref name="kings_money_ft"/> where he has spent a significant amount of his adulthood.<ref name=reuters_13012017/> He has intervened publicly in Thai political affairs. The King voiced his opinion on the Constitution in 2017, leading to an amendment on the power of the monarchy in the version that had already been accepted in the [[2016 Thai constitutional referendum|2016 constitutional referendum]].<ref name=reuters_13012017>{{Cite news|date=13 January 2017|title=Thai parliament approves king's constitutional changes request, likely delaying elections|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-king-constitution-idUSKBN14X0IF|access-date=23 August 2020}}</ref> In 2018, he was granted personal ownership of royal assets from the [[Crown Property Bureau]], which was formerly legally considered publicly owned.<ref name="kings_money_ft" /> He has also consolidated the [[Privy Council of Thailand|Privy Council]], Office of the Royal Household and Royal Security Office into a single personal office;<ref name=":9" /> in 2020, the government, seemingly acting in his name, transferred two army units to his personal command.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 May 2017|title=Thai king takes control of five palace agencies|url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/thai-king-takes-control-of-five-palace-agencies|access-date=23 August 2020|website=The Business Times|language=en}}</ref> The Royal Office's budget for 2020 was US$290 million, more than double its budget from 2018.<ref name="kings_money_ft"/> |
|||
On the eve of the 2019 election, Vajiralongkorn issued a royal announcement urging people to vote for "good people" ({{lang-th|คนดี}}; {{rtgs|khon di}}; i.e., the junta parties), which was re-broadcast the following morning, in an "unprecedented intervention by the palace".<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last1=McCargo|first1=Duncan|last2=Alexander|first2=Saowanee T.|date=2019|title=Thailand's 2019 Elections: A State of Democratic Dictatorship?|journal=Asia Policy|volume=26|issue=4|pages=89–106|doi=10.1353/asp.2019.0050|s2cid=208625542|issn=1559-2960}}</ref><sup>:97</sup> This sparked a massive, immediate, negative reaction on Twitter by Thai youth, using the hashtag "We are grown-ups and can choose for ourselves" ({{lang-th|โตแล้วเลือกเองได้}}; {{rtgs|to laeo lueak eng dai}}).<ref>{{Cite news|last=McCargo|first=Duncan|date=29 March 2019|title=Opinion {{!}} 'We Are Grown-Up Now and Can Choose for Ourselves'|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/29/opinion/thailand-election-thanathorn-future-forward-youth-vote.html|access-date=23 August 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Following the election, on 19 July 2019, when the new cabinet was sworn in, they pledged their allegiance to the monarchy, but left out an oath to the constitution, and despite protests, did not correct what was widely seen as a serious breach of the traditional [[oath of office]] and a tacit admission of the increasingly absolutist nature of the Thai monarchy.<ref name=":0" /> Subsequently, in a ceremony on 27 August, each minister was presented with a framed message of support from the King.<ref name=":0" /> He has also been accused of rewriting history as monuments associated with [[Khana Ratsadon]] and the [[Siamese revolution of 1932]] were demolished.<ref name=":0" /> |
|||
The implementation of [[Lèse majesté in Thailand|lèse majesté law]] has been controversial since the previous reign. The number of cases peaked to an unprecedented scale after 2014 coup.<ref name="2014highest">[http://prachatai.com/english/node/4218 2014 coup marks the highest number of lèse-majesté prisoners in Thai history]. ''Prachatai''.</ref> Critics viewed it as a political weapon to suppress dissent and restrict [[freedom of speech in Thailand|freedom of speech]]. Even though there have been no new cases since 2018, as Prayut said was the wish of the King, other security laws had been invoked in its place, such as the [[sedition]] law, the Computer Crime Act, or the offense of being a member of an [[organized crime]] group (อั้งยี่), all of which incur comparably severe punishment. In June 2020, the forced disappearance of [[Wanchalearm Satsaksit]], assumed to be related to accusations of lèse majesté, gained online attention and sympathy.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Wright|first1=George|last2=Praithongyaem|first2=Issariya|date=2 July 2020|title=The satirist who vanished in broad daylight|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53212932|access-date=23 August 2020}}</ref> In July 2020, Tiwagorn Withiton, who wore a shirt with the slogan "I lost faith in the monarchy", was subjected to [[Political abuse of psychiatry|political psychiatry]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=22 July 2020|title=After court rejects petition to free dissident, he is released from mental hospital|work=The Isaan Record|url=https://isaanrecord.com/2020/07/22/after-court-rejects-petition-to-free-dissident-he-is-released-from-mental-hospital/|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> |
|||
Several historical events are seen as intrinsically fuelling the protests, including the [[Siamese revolution of 1932|1932 revolution]], together with the [[6 October 1976 massacre|6 October 1976 Thammasat University massacre]] and the [[2010 Thai military crackdown]] and the related issue of [[impunity]] for the latter two events.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The unjust massacre that is fuelling the democratic movement|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8831|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Prachatai English|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
=== Concurrent developments === |
|||
{{Further|COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand}} |
|||
The government invoked the Emergency Decree on 26 March and issued a COVID-19 related curfew on 3 April in order to limit the spread of the virus.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jack|last=Burton|title=Thailand under a State of emergency – Prime Minister|date=24 March 2020|work=The Thaiger|url=https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailand-under-a-state-of-emergency-prime-minister|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-news-and-updates/national-curfew-announced-takes-effect-tomorrow|title=National curfew announced. Takes effect tomorrow.|first=Greeley|last=Pulitzer|date=2 April 2020|website=The Thaiger}}</ref> The government additionally issued a travel ban for all foreigners entering Thailand. International rights groups have criticized the emergency decree being employed to suppress free speech.<ref>{{cite news|first=Marwaan|last=Macan-Markar|title=Thailand seeks to extend COVID emergency despite no new cases|date=29 June 2020|work=Nikkei Asia|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Thailand-seeks-to-extend-COVID-emergency-despite-no-new-cases|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref> Even though the country has a relatively successful response to date, contributed by its robust [[Healthcare in Thailand|public health infrastructure]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Abuza|first=Zachary|date=21 April 2020|title=Explaining Successful (and Unsuccessful) COVID-19 Responses in Southeast Asia|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/explaining-successful-and-unsuccessful-covid-19-responses-in-southeast-asia/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=10 June 2020|website=The Diplomat}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bello|first=Walden|date=3 June 2020|title=How Thailand Contained COVID-19|url=https://fpif.org/how-thailand-contained-covid-19/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=10 June 2020|website=Foreign Policy In Focus}}</ref> the state of emergency and the government's severe economic restriction have not been cancelled.<ref>{{cite news|first=Erich|last=Parpart|title=Thailand’s state of emergency has been extended for the sixth time|date=29 September 2020|work=Thai Enquirer|url=https://www.thaienquirer.com/19073/thailands-state-of-emergency-has-been-extended-for-the-sixth-time/|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref> The country's significant tourism industry has been heavily affected. The [[International Monetary Fund]] has predicted Thailand's GDP to shrink by 6.7 percent in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paweewun |first1=Oranan |title=IMF: Thai GDP down 6.7% |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1900795/imf-thai-gdp-down-6-7- |accessdate=10 June 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=16 April 2020}}</ref> The government borrowed and announced a 1.9 trillion-baht (US$60 billion) stimulus package, though few people have actually received it.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Theparat |first1=Chatrudee |title=Cabinet gives green light to B1.9tn stimulus |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1894985/cabinet-gives-green-light-to-b1-9tn-stimulus |work=Bangkok Post |date=7 April 2020}}</ref> |
|||
Shortly before the second wave protests, on 15 July, netizens were infuriated by privileged treatment to "VIP guests" who were later revealed to be positive for the coronavirus,<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2020|title=ปชช.กังวลทหารอียิปต์-ครอบครัวซูดาน ทำ COVID-19 ระบาดใหม่|url=https://news.thaipbs.or.th/content/294711|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020|website=[[Thai PBS]]| trans-title= Ppl. concerned [about] Egyptian solider-Sudanese family to cause new COVID-19 pandemic | language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724184045/https://news.thaipbs.or.th/content/294711|archive-date=24 July 2020}}</ref> as well as its failure to boost the heavily effected tourism industry.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=หละหลวม ปล่อยทหารอียิปต์ติดโควิด เข้ามา ท่องเที่ยวระยองพังหนัก รอวันตาย |trans-title= Careless. Let COVID infected Egyptian soldier in. Rayong tourism heavily damaged, waiting to die. |url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/east/1889269|url-status=live|access-date=14 July 2020|website=Thairath|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724201200/https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/east/1889269|archive-date=24 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 July 2020|title=ท่องเที่ยวระยองพังพินาศ แห่ถอนจองโรงแรมรีสอร์ท90% |trans-title = Rayong tourism devastated. 90% hotel-resort booking canceled |url=https://www.dailynews.co.th/regional/784774|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020|website=Dailynews|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724190605/https://www.dailynews.co.th/regional/784774|archive-date=24 July 2020}}</ref> On the same day, [[Prayut Chan-o-cha]] made a visit to Rayong Province. Two protesters held signs calling for his resignation prior to the arrival; both were immediately arrested and reportedly beaten by the police, infuriating many [[Twitter]] users.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=โซเชียลเดือด ดันแฮชแท็ก #ตํารวจระยองอุ้มประชาชน ปม 2 วัยรุ่นชูป้ายไล่นายกฯ|url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/society/1890191|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020 |trans-title= Social boiled. Push hash tag 'Rayong police arrest people' in incident of two teens holding signs. |website=Thairath|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724184303/https://www.thairath.co.th/news/society/1890191|archive-date=24 July 2020}}</ref> In October, foreign tourists entered Thailand for the first time in seven months.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Harmer|title=39 Chinese are Thailand’s 1st foreign tourists in 7 months|date=21 October 2020|publisher=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-travel-shanghai-bangkok-china-218836bf9525904479e6076b260304d5|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref> |
|||
Other related developments include the suicide of a senior judge over his frustration due to pressure on his verdicts in favour of military officers, [[surgical mask]] profiteering by [[Thamanat Prompow|Thammanat Prompao]], delayed COVID-19 welfare money transfers, the government's approval of the Civil Partnership bill (which does not recognize equal status of same-sex couples), and the case against [[Red Bull]] heir [[Vorayuth Yoovidhya]].<ref name=":2" /> |
|||
== First wave (February) == |
|||
[[file:มศว_คนรุ่นเปลี่ยน_ประท้วงการยุบพรรคอนาคตใหม่_01.jpg|left|upright=0.8|thumb|Protests at [[Srinakharinwirot University]] [[Ongkharak District|Ongkharak Campus]] on 25 February. The crossed out number is the popular vote count of dissolved [[Future Forward Party|FFP]]]] |
|||
The first wave protests were triggered by the Constitution Court decision to disband the [[Future Forward Party]], an opposition party popular amongst youths, on 23 February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2020 |title=Thailand's Future Forward Party Has the Support of Young Thais. A Court Could Disband It Entirely |url=https://time.com/5756668/thailand-future-forward-party/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605170843/https://time.com/5756668/thailand-future-forward-party/ |archive-date=5 June 2020 }}</ref> Demonstrations since erupted in various high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. These student-organised protests also came with various [[hashtag]]s unique to their institutions. The firsts began at [[Thammasat University]], [[Chulalongkorn University]], [[Ramkhamhaeng University]], [[Kasetsart University]], [[Srinakharinwirot University]] and [[Prince of Songkhla University]] on 24 February. Various high school students also organised protests at [[Triam Udom Suksa School]] and [[Suksanari School]] |
|||
. The protests, however, were limited to individual institutions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2020 |title=A Popular Thai Opposition Party Was Disbanded. What Happens Next? |url=https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/thailand-future-forward-party-disbanded-thanathorn-protest |url-status=live |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=CFR |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704231649/https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/thailand-future-forward-party-disbanded-thanathorn-protest |archive-date=4 July 2020 }}</ref><ref name = hashtags>{{Cite web |date=26 February 2020 |title=จุดติด-ไม่ติด : แฮชแท็กและการชุมนุมประท้วงของนิสิตนักศึกษาบอกอะไรเราบ้าง |url= https://themomentum.co/students-protest-after-after-future-forward-party-disbanded/ |trans-title = Sparked or not: What do hash tags and student protests told us? |url-status=live |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=The Momentum Co.|language=th}}</ref> A Thai historian scholar noted that street protests have never created political changes if the military sided with the government.<ref name="bbc32"/> The protests, which was organized exclusively on the academia grounds, were halted in late February due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand|COVID-19 pandemic]], with all universities, colleges, and schools shut down.<ref name="bbc32"/> |
|||
=== Hashtags=== |
|||
The use of online media, such as TikTok and Twitter, including various [[hashtag]]s, has characterized the protests.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Ratcliffe|first1=Rebecca|last2=correspondent|first2=South-east Asia|date=24 August 2020|title='We want a true democracy': students lead Thailand's protest movement|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/24/we-want-a-true-democracy-students-lead-thailands-protest-movement|access-date=24 August 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Hashtags have emerged for protests at each institution. For example: |
|||
* Protests at [[Chulalongkorn University]] used <nowiki>#เสาหลักจะไม่หักอีกต่อไป</nowiki> (lit. The pillar will not be broken longer; an analogy to the university's tagline as “the pillar of the land.”) |
|||
* Protests at [[Triam Udom Suksa School]] used <nowiki>#เกียมอุดมไม่ก้มหัวให้เผด็จการ</nowiki> (lit. Triam Udom doesn't bow to dictatorship) |
|||
* Protests at [[Srinakharinwirot University]] (SWU) used <nowiki>#มศว คนรุ่นเปลี่ยน</nowiki> (lit. SWU generation of change) |
|||
Some have mentioned their distaste of the pro-military conservatives (dubbed Salim — [[:wikt:สลิ่ม|สลิ่ม]]; the word was derived from Thai dessert [[Sarim (dessert)|sarim]]) such as<ref name = hashtags /> |
|||
* Protests at [[Kasetsart University]] (KU) used <nowiki>#KUไม่ใช่ขนมหวานราดกะทิ</nowiki> (KU is not coconut milk dessert [referring to [[Sarim (dessert)|sarim]].]) |
|||
* Protests at [[Khon Kaen University]] (KKU) used #KKUขอโทษที่ช้าโดนสลิ่มลบโพสต์ (KKU is sorry for being late; [our] posts were deleted by salims) |
|||
* Protests at [[Mahidol University]] (located in [[Salaya, Thailand|Salaya]]) used #ศาลายางดกินของหวานหลายสี (Salaya stops eating multi-coloured dessert [referring to sarim.]) |
|||
* Protests at [[King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang]] (Phra chom klao) used #พระจอมเกล้าชอบกินเหล้าไม่ชอบกินสลิ่ม (Phra chom klao loves eating [drinking] liquors but not salim) |
|||
== Second wave (July–present) == |
|||
=== Protests under Three Demands === |
|||
{{main|Timeline of the 2020 Thai protests (July 2020)}} |
|||
[[File:เสรีเทยพลัส.jpg|thumb|Seri Thoey group flew the [[LGBT flag]] during the protest on 25 July]] |
|||
On 18 July, Thailand saw the largest street demonstration since the [[2014 Thai coup d'état]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 July 2020|title=Anti-government rallies spreading across Thailand|url=https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/anti-government-rallies-spreading-across-thailand/|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020|website=Coconut Thailand|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724181937/https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/anti-government-rallies-spreading-across-thailand/|archive-date=24 July 2020}}</ref> at the [[Democracy Monument]] in Bangkok with around 2,500 protesters. The protesters, organised under the name Free Youth ({{lang-th|เยาวชนปลดแอก}}; {{RTGS|yaowachon plot aek}}), announced the three core demands,<ref name = cores>{{Cite web|date=18 July 2020|title='เยาวชนปลดแอก' เปิดแถลงการณ์ข้อเรียกร้องฉบับเต็ม|trans-title= 'Free Youth' released full declaration |url=https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/890036|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020|website=Bangkok Biz News|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724192936/https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/890036|archive-date=24 July 2020}}</ref> which include: dissolution of the House, ending intimidation of the people and drafting a new constitution. A Free Youth leader stated that they do not aim to overthrow the monarchy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mgronline.com/daily/detail/9630000076218 |title= วังวนการเมืองเน่าสุด จุดไฟม็อบ#เยาวชนปลดแอกลงถนน ยืนยันไม่ "ล้มเจ้า" |trans-title= Rotting political cycle. Spark 'Free Youth' mob to streets, affirms not to "overthrow monarchy" |language=th |accessdate=23 August 2020 |work=Manager Online}}</ref> The gathering was planned to last overnight, but it was cancelled by midnight for security reasons. |
|||
After 18 July, the protests soon spread across the country. The first were in Chiang Mai province and Ubon Ratchathani Province on 19 July.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 July 2020|title=Chiang Mai, Ubon rally against Prayut, government|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/1954343/chiang-mai-ubon-rally-against-prayut-government?cx_placement=related#cxrecs_s|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020|website=[[Bangkok Post]]|language=en}}</ref> By 23 July, demonstrations had been organised in more than 20 provinces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 July 2020 |title=ประท้วงดาวกระจายลามกว่า 20 จังหวัด เปิดไทม์ไลน์จุดเริ่มจาก 'เยาวชนปลดแอก' |url=https://www.thebangkokinsight.com/400818/ |trans-title= Protest spread to more than 20 provinces. Show timeline starting from 'Free Youth' |url-status=live |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=The Bangkok Insight |language=th |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724212340/https://www.thebangkokinsight.com/400818/ |archive-date=24 July 2020 }}</ref> Some major demonstrations include one in [[Maha Sarakham Province]] on 23 July, of which its hashtag #IsanSibothon quickly trended first on Twitter in Thailand,<ref>{{cite news |title=#อีสานสิบ่ทน พุ่งติดเทรนด์อันดับ 1 แห่ขบวนหมอลำ ม่วนหลายก่อนปราศรัย |url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/society/1895380 |accessdate=23 August 2020 |work=Thai Rath |date=22 July 2020 |language=th}}</ref> and one in [[Nakhon Ratchasima Province]] on 24 July saw one of the largest crowds amongst them.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 July 2020|title=4 มหาวิทยาลัยในโคราช นักเรียน ประชาชน แสดงพลังทวงคืนประชาธิปไตย|url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/northeast/1896816|url-status=live|access-date=26 July 2020|website=Thairath|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726135033/https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/northeast/1896816|archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> |
|||
On 25 July, a [[LGBT]] activist group ''Seri Thoey'' (lit. Free [[Kathoey|Thoey]]; parody to the ''Seri Thai'' – [[Free Thai Movement]]), demonstrated at the Democracy Monument calling for legalisation of [[same-sex marriage]] in addition to the three demands.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2020|title="กลุ่มเสรีเทยพลัส" จัดกิจกรรมม็อบไม่มุ้งมิ้งแต่ตุ้งติ้งค่ะคุณรัฐบาล|url=https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9630000076470|url-status=live|access-date=26 July 2020|website=MGR Online|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725232229/https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9630000076470|archive-date=25 July 2020}}</ref> |
|||
On 26 July, an event called “Let’s run, [[Hamtaro]]” was organised at the [[Democracy Monument]]. Having begun in a protest at [[Triam Udom Suksa School]] in Bangkok, but later spread on [[Twitter]], and eventually gathered around 3,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 August 2020|title=Hamtaro Uncaged! Reinventing the wheel of political protest|url=https://thisrupt.co/current-affairs/reinventing-the-wheel-of-political-protest/|access-date=30 August 2020|website=Thisrupt|language=en-US}}</ref> |
|||
=== Further demands of monarchy reform and subsequent protests === |
|||
{{main|Timeline of the 2020 Thai protests (August 2020)}} |
|||
[[File:10_August_rangsit_1.jpg|thumb|left|The 10 August [[Thammasat University]] protest at Rangsit Campus where victims of [[forced disappearance]] were recognized.]] |
|||
{{Quote box |
|||
| width = 30% |
|||
| title = Summary of Demands on Reform of the Monarchy<ref>{{cite news |title=[Full statement] The demonstration at Thammasat proposes monarchy reform |url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8709 |accessdate=23 August 2020 |work=Prachatai English |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
| quote = <p> |
|||
# Revoke the King's [[sovereign immunity|immunity against lawsuits]]. |
|||
# Revoke [[lèse majesté in Thailand|lèse majesté law]], give amnesty to every persecuted individual. |
|||
# Separate the King's personal and royal assets. |
|||
# Reduce the budget allocated to the monarchy. |
|||
# Abolish the Royal Offices and unnecessary units e.g. [[Privy Council of Thailand|Privy Council]]. |
|||
# Open assets of the monarchy to audit. |
|||
# Cease the King's power to give public political comments. |
|||
# Cease [[cult of personality|propaganda around the King]]. |
|||
# Investigate the murders of commentators or critics of the monarchy. |
|||
# Forbid the King to endorse future coups. |
|||
}} |
|||
On 3 August, a [[Harry Potter]]-themed demonstration was held, which 200 people joined, featured a public speech by [[Anon Nampha|Anon Nampa]] which openly criticised the monarchy, and demanded amendment of increasing royal prerogative and [[Lèse majesté in Thailand|lèse majesté law]].<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |title=Harry Potter-themed protest openly criticises Thai monarchy |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-04/harry-potter-themed-protest-in-thailand-criticise-monarchy/12521052 |accessdate=23 August 2020 |work=ABC |date=4 August 2020 }}</ref> Paul Chambers, Southeast Asian politics scholar, noted, "Such open criticism of Thailand’s monarch by non-elites at a public place within Thailand with the police simply standing by is the first of its kind in Thai history."<ref>{{cite news |title=Thailand protesters openly criticise monarchy in Harry Potter-themed rally |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/04/thailand-protesters-openly-criticise-monarchy-harry-potter-themed-rally |accessdate=10 August 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=4 August 2020}}</ref> The police arrested Anon and another Free Youth leader on 8 August. |
|||
On 10 August, there was a rally at Thammasat University, Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani Province named "ธรรมศาสตร์จะไม่ทน." (lit. Thammasat will not tolerate.)<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=ม็อบนศ.ฮือต้าน"รัฐบาลลุงตู่"แน่น ม.ธรรมศาสตร์|trans-title=Student mobs amass to resist "Uncle Tu government" in Thammasat U.|url=https://www.posttoday.com/politic/news/630387|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|accessdate=10 August 2020|website=Post Today}}</ref> Totaling about 3,000 people, it employed the slogan "We don't want reforms; we want revolution."<ref name="AP">{{cite news |last1=Press |first1=Associated |title=Student Protest at Thammasat the Largest Rally in Months |url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/08/11/student-protest-at-thammasat-the-largest-rally-in-months/ |accessdate=11 August 2020 |work=Khaosod English |date=11 August 2020}}</ref> Among the events was the declaration of ten demands to reform the monarchy.<ref name="ประชาไท">{{cite web |title=ประมวลชุมนุม #ธรรมศาสตร์จะไม่ทน 'เราไม่ต้องการปฏิรูปเราต้องการปฏิวัติ' |trans-title= Summary of demonstration Thammasat will not tolerate 'We do not want reforms; we want revolution' }language=th |url=https://prachatai.com/journal/2020/08/88977 |website=prachatai.com |accessdate=10 August 2020 }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2 September 2020|title=The ten demands that shook Thailand|url=https://www.newmandala.org/the-ten-demands-that-shook-thailand/|access-date=2 September 2020|website=New Mandala|language=en-AU}}</ref> According to AP, the protesters at the site had mixed reaction to the demands.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=Unprecedented open criticism of king aired at Thai protest|url=https://apnews.com/8936f8e53ec6294a2014e9baaafcd622|access-date=20 August 2020|website=AP NEWS}}</ref><ref name="AP"/>{{Dead link|date=August 2020}} |
|||
On 14 August, BBC Thai reported that there had been protests associated with Free Youth in 49 provinces, while in 11 provinces saw activism associated with pro-establishment groups.<ref name="BBC1408">{{cite news |title=สำรวจแนวการชุมนุมประชาชนหนุน-ต้านรัฐบาล |trans-title= Investigate protest line support-against government. |url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-53774835 |accessdate=18 August 2020 |work=BBC ไทย |language=th}}</ref> In the same day, student activist [[Parit Chiwarak|Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak]] was arrested, leading to calls from [[Human Rights Watch]] to immediately release him and drop all charges against all activists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/15/thailand-drop-charges-release-student-activist|title=Thailand: Drop Charges, Release Student Activist|accessdate=15 August 2020|website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> |
|||
On 16 August, a large gathering which around 20,000–25,000 people joined<ref name="nikkei">{{cite news |title=Thailand's youth demo evolves to largest protest since 2014 coup |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Thailand-s-youth-demo-evolves-to-largest-protest-since-2014-coup |accessdate=18 August 2020 |work=Nikkei Asian Review}}</ref> was held at the [[Democracy Monument]] and reiterated calls for a revised constitution and reforms to the monarchy.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 August 2020|title=Thai protesters stage fresh pro-democracy rally|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53798826|access-date=16 August 2020}}</ref> |
|||
On 20 August, two large-scale student protests of approximately 1,000 people each were held in [[Nakhon Ratchasima]] and [[Khon Kaen]]. Activists announced a “major rally” planned on 19 September 2020, at [[Thammasat University]]’s [[Tha Phra Chan|Tha Prachan]] campus.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Record|first=The Isaan|date=21 August 2020|title=Black magic and calls for change at large protest at Khon Kaen's Democracy Monument|url=https://isaanrecord.com/2020/08/21/black-magic-and-calls-for-change-kkc-protest/|access-date=22 August 2020|website=The Isaan Record|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=English|first=Khaosod|date=21 August 2020|title=Large Protests Hit Isaan, Major Rally Announced for Sep. 19|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/08/21/large-protests-hit-isaan-major-rally-announced-for-sep-19/|access-date=22 August 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=Anti-govt rally in Khon Kaen|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1973087/anti-govt-rally-in-khon-kaen|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=23 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
=== Formal submission of demands and responses === |
|||
{{main|Timeline of the 2020 Thai protests (September 2020)}} |
|||
On 26 August, student groups presented submissions, including the 10 demands, to the House of Representatives.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Students submit manifesto|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1975175/students-submit-manifesto|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=27 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> Subsequently, the opposition and the coalition submitted constitutional amendment motions, including to amend the clause governing the constitution amendment procedure.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=First ever dialogue on Thai monarchy arrives in Parliament's 'safe zone'|url=https://www.thaipbsworld.com/first-ever-dialogue-on-thai-monarchy-arrives-in-parliaments-safe-zone/|access-date=14 September 2020|website=www.thaipbsworld.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Sattaburut|first1=Aekarach|last2=Chetchotiros|first2=Nattaya|date=|title=Govt pleads for charter support|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1990503/govt-pleads-for-charter-support|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=24 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
On 27–28 August, approximately 15,000 people gathered at 14 October Memorial for the first overnight protest, organized by the 'We are Friends' group.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Apologies, demands made at first anti-dictatorship overnight protest|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8755|access-date=29 August 2020|website=Prachatai English|language=en}}</ref> On 28 August, as 15 anti-government activists from the 18 July rally arrived to face charges.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Chaos as anti-government protesters remove police barriers|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1976203/chaos-as-anti-government-protesters-remove-police-barriers|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=28 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
On 5 September, approximately 300 members of the Bad Student group protested at the Ministry of Education for their demands on reform of the educational system.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Students rally at ministry to repeat demands|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1980399/students-rally-at-ministry-to-repeat-demands|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> A few days later, a debate was held between the Bad Student group and Education Minister.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Associated press |title=Student Activists Seeking Reforms Debate Education Minister |url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/09/07/thai-students-seeking-reforms-debate-education-minister/ |website=Khaosod}}</ref> |
|||
[[File:19_September_demonstration_3.jpg|thumb|The occupation of Sanam Luang by demonstrators on 19 September 2020.]] |
|||
In a rally described as one of the largest protests in years,<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 September 2020|title=Thais hold huge protest demanding reforms|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54217284|access-date=19 September 2020}}</ref> on 19 September, protesters gathered at Thammasat University, then moved to [[Sanam Luang]] in the afternoon and stayed overnight there, with attendance estimated at anywhere between 20,000 and 100,000,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Massive Crowd Turns Out in Bangkok for Weekend of Pro-Democracy Protests|url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/big-protest-09192020122528.html|access-date=23 September 2020|website=BenarNews|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Scenes From Thailand's Massive Protests Demanding Reform |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/09/scenes-from-thailands-massive-protests-demanding-reform/ |accessdate=23 September 2020 |work=Diplomat}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Pongsudhirak|first=Thitinan|date=|title=Reforms need broadening of the agenda|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1991123/reforms-need-broadening-of-the-agenda|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=25 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> On 20 September, the protesters installed a plaque symbolizing the now-missing [[Khana Ratsadon]] plaque at Sanam Luang.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 September 2020|title=Thai activists challenge monarchy by laying plaque|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54222524|access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 September 2020|title=Protesters install 'new plaque' at Sanam Luang|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1988567/protesters-install-new-plaque-at-sanam-luang|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=20 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> The protesters submitted their demands to the President of the Privy Council via the chief of the [[Metropolitan Police Bureau (Thailand)|Metropolitan Police Bureau]] before dispersing.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|date=20 September 2020|title=Activists end rally after submitting demands|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1988583/protesters-end-rally-after-submitting-demands-to-city-police-chief|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=20 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> There were no reports of violence; protest leader Parit Chiwarak called for a general strike on 14 October to commemorate the [[1973 Thai popular uprising]].<ref name=":10" /> The plaque was removed less than 24 hours after it was installed;<ref>{{cite web|date=21 September 2020|title=Plaque installed by Thai protesters near palace removed|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/09/plaque-installed-thai-protesters-palace-removed-200921022619555.html|access-date=21 September 2020|work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> however, it has since proliferated as an online meme.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=22 September 2020|title=Less Than a Day Old, Democracy Plaque Lives On In Memes, Fanart|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/culture/net/2020/09/22/less-than-a-day-old-democracy-plaque-lives-on-in-memes-fanart/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=22 September 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref> Some international media described the rally as an open challenge to Vajiralongkorn's rule.<ref>{{cite news |title=Protests continue to target Thai monarchy |url=https://www.scmp.com/video/asia/3102339/weekend-anti-government-protests-thai-capital-bangkok-continue-challenge |accessdate=21 September 2020 |work=South China Morning Post}}</ref> |
|||
On 24 September, Parliament voted to set up a study committee, effectively delaying a scheduled vote on constitutional amendment by at least a month. Discontent prompted #RepublicofThailand to trend first in the country's Twitter, with more than 700,000 retweets, the first mass public expression of republican sentiment in the country.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=John |title=#RepublicofThailand trends as protesters maintain push on monarchy |url=https://www.ft.com/content/f16dea09-1763-4a7a-b159-d7dd8a672d69 |accessdate=25 September 2020 |work=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Getting Radical? Thai netizens call for the "Republic of Thailand"|url=https://thisrupt.co/current-affairs/thai-call-for-republic-of-thailand/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=27 September 2020|website=thisrupt.co}}</ref> |
|||
On 2 October, the Bad Student high school protest group organized protests at Bangkok high schools in Bangkok to protest against the abuse and mistreatment of school students, then assembled at the Ministry of Education to again call for the resignation of the Education Minister.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Students protest against abuse in schools, call for Education Minister to resign|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8825|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Prachatai English|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
=== Strengthened emergency powers === |
|||
[[File:15_October_protest.jpg|thumb|The 15 October protest at the [[Ratchaprasong]] intersection.]] |
|||
After no major events for nearly a month, on 13 October, the day before a planned demonstration date, a small group of protesters gathered at Ratchadamnoen Avenue near Democracy Monument, to protest the passing of the king's motorcade.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Early rally site cleared, protesters arrested|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2001467/early-rally-site-cleared-protesters-arrested|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=13 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> Vajiralongkorn, who rarely returns to Thailand,<ref name=beech_16102020/> was visiting to honor the fourth anniversary of [[Death and funeral of Bhumibol Adulyadej|his father's death]].<ref name=bengali_16102020/> Twenty-one protesters were detained,<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Ashworth|first=Caitlin|date=14 October 2020|title="Elevated risk of unrest" after 21 activist arrests, UN department says|url=https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/protests/elevated-risk-of-unrest-after-21-activist-arrests-un-department-says|access-date=14 October 2020|website=The Thaiger|language=en-TH}}</ref> and while the royal motorcade passed, others raised the three-finger ''[[The Hunger Games|Hunger Games]]'' salute, a notable incident of open dissent to the Thai monarchy. A hashtag insulting the king trended on Twitter.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Johnson|first=Panu Wongcha-um, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Kay|date=13 October 2020|title=Thai protesters clash with police, call out as king's motorcade passes|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-protests-idUSKBN26Y1C7|access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref> |
|||
The planned protest rally on 14 October began at Democracy Monument, with the objective of moving to Government House to demand the resignation of Prayut.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Protesters gathering at Democracy Monument|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2001971/protesters-gathering-at-democracy-monument|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> Both the United States Embassy and the United Nations in Bangkok warned their staff of an elevated risk, the latter due to the arrest of the 21 protesters the previous day.<ref name=":11" /> Authorities ordered "counter-protesters" to be trucked in using municipal vehicles,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Anti-Gov't Protest Plans Complicated by Royal Itinerary|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/10/14/anti-govt-protest-plans-complicated-by-royal-itinerary/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Khaosod English|via=Reuters}}</ref> some of whom subsequently joined the protests.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Imposters Among Us: Royalists Showing Support for Protest Go Viral|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/10/15/imposters-among-us-royalists-showing-support-for-protest-go-viral/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Khaosod English}}</ref> Right-wing groups, including the Thai Pakdee (Loyal Thais) and the [[Rubbish Collection Organization]], launched counter-protests<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Bangkok On Edge as Royalists Face Off With Anti-Gov't Protesters|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/10/14/bangkok-on-edge-as-royalists-face-off-with-anti-govt-protesters/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Khaosod English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Arrests heighten rally concerns|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2001555/arrests-heighten-rally-concerns|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Arrests heighten rally concerns|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2001555/arrests-heighten-rally-concerns|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> Later in the day, tens of thousands of protesters,<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|title=Anti-government protesters reach Government House, criticize monarchy|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8843|access-date=16 October 2020|website=Prachatai English|language=en}}</ref> some under the umbrella of "Khana Ratsadorn 2563" (a reference to the historical People's Party), in a largely peaceful rally, marked by some violent assaults on the protesters by pro-royalists,<ref name=":12" /> marched to Government House and set up camps around it.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Protesters vow to stay 3 days at Govt House to oust Prayut|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2002123/protesters-vow-to-stay-3-days-at-govt-house-to-oust-prayut|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> The protest coincided with a planned royal progression around the city, which the protesters stated they would not impede and did not.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news|date=14 October 2020|title=Thai protests: Thousands gather in Bangkok as king returns to country|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-54538508|access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref> Typically, roads on the royal motorcoade's route are closed in advance by police.<ref name=tostevin_23102020>{{cite news|first1=Matthew|last1=Tostevin|first2=Patpicha|last2=Tanakasempipat|first3=Chayut|last3=Setboonsarng|first4=Panu|last4=Wongcha-um|title=Turning point in Thailand: Queen's brush with protest|date=23 October 2020|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/thailand-protests-motorcade-insight/turning-point-in-thailand-queens-brush-with-protest-idUSKBN2780NX|accessdate=24 October 2020}}</ref> In this instance, however, the motorcade made no formal announcement, and the previously announced route was via another avenue.<ref name=khaosod_15102020/> Protesters flashed the three-figner salute while chanting "Our taxes" and "Nation, Religion, People".<ref name=tostevin_23102020/> Meanwhile, Prayut ordered legal actions against the protesters for allegedly blocking the motorcade,<ref name=khaosod_15102020>{{cite news |title=PM ORDERS PROSECUTION OF PROTESTERS WHO 'BLOCKED ROYAL CONVOY'date=15 October 2020|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/10/15/pm-orders-prosecution-of-protesters-who-blocked-royal-convoy/ |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=Khaosod English}}</ref> which included Queen [[Suthida]] and the heir-apparent Prince [[Dipangkorn Rasmijoti]].<ref name=beech_16102020/> According to [[Reuters]], the demonstrators got close to the car but were "always behind police and none appeared to be trying to reach it".<ref name=tostevin_23102020/> Anon accused the authorities of intentionally arranging the motorcade through the rally site. He gave an estimate of 200,000 participants before midnight.<ref>{{cite news |title=เกาะติด "คณะราษฎร" ชุมนุม 14 ตุลา "ราษฎรจะเดินนำ ที่ราชดำเนิน" – บีบีซีไทย |url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/live/thailand-54508182 |accessdate=14 October 2020 |work=BBC Thai |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
On 15 October, the authorities declared a "severe" [[state of emergency]] in Bangkok from 04:00 local time and banned gatherings of five or more people.<ref name=ap_14102020>{{cite news|first=Tassannee|last=Vegpongsa|title=Thai Leader Declares 'Severe' State of Emergency in Bangkok as Anti-Government Protests Continue|date=14 October 2020|website=Time.com|agency=AP|url=https://time.com/5900308/bangkok-thailand-protests-state-of-emergency/|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Police clear protest as emergency decree bans gatherings|date=15 October 2020|newspaper=Bangkok Post|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2002531|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref> The protesters, most of whom were women, including schoolgirls protesting for social change and against [[gender inequality]] and [[patriarchy]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=English|first=Khaosod|date=20 October 2020|title=Schoolgirls Emerge as Leaders of Leaderless Protests in Bangkok|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/10/20/schoolgirls-emerge-as-leaders-of-leaderless-protests-in-bangkok/|access-date=21 October 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref> were cleared using riot police.<ref name=ap_14102020/> In the process, police detained 20 demonstrators, among them three protest leaders, and imposed a ban on sensitive media stories.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Twenty protesters arrested, planned Thursday rally prohibited|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2002603/twenty-protesters-arrested-planned-thursday-rally-prohibited|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> The government indicated it would set up a state-of-emergency command center. During the day, troops were dispatched to guard Government House and Parliament,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Prawit-led centre likely to handle situation|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2002711/prawit-led-centre-likely-to-handle-situation|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> raising alarm from an opposition [[member of parliament]] (MP) of resembling pre-2014 coup days.<ref>{{cite news |title='รังสิมันต์ โรม'โพสต์ภาพทหารเข้าประจำการรัฐสภาหวั่นคล้ายสถานการณ์ปี57 |url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/189657 |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=Siam Rath |date=15 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> Opposition parties demanded the revoking of the Emergency Decree and an [[extraordinary session]] of Parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=ฝ่ายค้านจี้ยกเลิกประกาศสถานการณ์ฉุกเฉินทันที เสนอเปิดประชุมสภาสมัยวิสามัญ |url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/politic/1953801 |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=Thai Rath |date=15 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> Two activists were arrested on the charge of attempting an “act of violence against the queen’s liberty”, an arcane law which incurs a possible life sentence, but eyewitnesses confirmed that they only shouted at the motorcade.<ref name=beech_16102020>{{cite news |last1=Beech |first1=Hannah |title=Thailand Steps Up Response as Antigovernment Protests Escalate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/world/asia/thailand-protests-bangkok.html |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=16 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Regan|first=Helen|date=16 October 2020|title=Two Thai protesters could face life imprisonment for violence against the Queen|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/16/asia/thai-protesters-arrested-queen-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=16 October 2020|website=CNN}}</ref> Three senior policemen were transferred and investigated for the motorcade incident.<ref>{{cite news|last1=English|first1=Khaosod|date=15 October 2020|title=3 Senior Policemen Removed for Motorcade Bedlam|work=Khaosod English|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/10/15/3-senior-policemen-removed-for-motorcade-bedlam/?fbclid=IwAR1FkHUkS1HqUE29AnJefciLfcUjCox5sVfTx7hebo4g2sbxSu0OD8ZDF0E}}</ref> A smaller planned occupation<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Activist Leaders Arrested But Ratchaprasong Rally to Go Ahead|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/10/15/activist-leaders-arrested-ahead-of-ratchaprasong-rally/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 October 2020|website=www.khaosodenglish.com}}</ref> at 4pm at the [[Ratchaprasong]] intersection went ahead, involving at least 13,500 participants.<ref name="bkp1610">{{cite news|title=Water cannon used on protesters|work=Bangkok Post|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2003391/water-cannon-used-on-protesters|accessdate=16 October 2020}}</ref> Twenty more protesters were arrested,<ref name="bbc15Oct">{{cite news |title=Thai protests: Demonstrators gather again in Bangkok, defying crackdown |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54548988 |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=BBC News |date=15 October 2020}}</ref> but the movement vowed to continue protesting with flash protest tactics.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Protesters occupy Ratchaprasong intersection|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2002731/protesters-occupy-ratchaprasong-intersection|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> A legal aid group reported at least 51 people were arrested between 13 and 15 October.<ref name="ks1610">{{cite news |title=Prayut Refuses To Resign, Police Crack Down on Protesters |url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/10/16/prayut-refuses-to-resign-police-crack-down-on-protesters/ |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Khaosod English |date=16 October 2020}}</ref> |
|||
[[File:Thai police disperse Patumwan flash rally 16102020.webm|thumb|thumbtime=239|upright=1.2|left|Police using water cannon to disperse protesters at Pathum Wan Intersection on 16 October.]] |
|||
On 16 October, the Thai cabinet confirmed a month-long state of emergency, reserving the right to impose a curfew and martial law.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Cabinet confirms state of emergency, curfew if protests escalate|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2003319/cabinet-confirms-state-of-emergency-curfew-if-protests-escalate|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=16 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> Prayut's remark of the protesters "don’t be careless, because people can die today, or tomorrow [...] Do not trifle with the powerful [[Yama|Grim Reaper]]," paraphrasing [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]'s teaching, was viewed by protesters as threatening the use of deadly force and as the actions of "a tyrant".<ref>{{cite news |title='Everyone Can Die Any Moment,' Outrage at Prayut's Protest Remark |url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/10/16/everyone-can-die-any-moment-outrage-at-prayuts-protest-remark/ |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Khaosod English |date=16 October 2020}}</ref> Around 2,000 unarmed protesters, mostly teenagers, gathered at [[Pathum Wan Intersection]], and two hours later were dispersed by the police. High-pressure [[water cannon]]s with chemical-filled water and tear gas were used.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thai police resort to teargas, arrest warrants against protesters |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Thai-police-resort-to-teargas-arrest-warrants-against-protesters |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Nikkei Asia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=16 October 2020|title=Thailand protests: Riot police fire water cannon as protesters defy rally ban|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-54573349|access-date=16 October 2020}}</ref> The leader of the opposition Move Forward Party unsuccessfully asked police to evacuate the injured. The Commander of the Metropolitan Police reported at least 100 people were arrested.<ref name="pcc1610">{{cite news |title=พรรคก้าวไกล เจรจา ผบช.น. เข้าพื้นที่ชุมนุม พาคนเจ็บออกจากม็อบ |url=https://www.prachachat.net/politics/news-539223 |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=ประชาชาติธุรกิจ |date=16 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> Protesters vowed to continue.<ref name="bkp1610" /> Within hours of the crackdown, students from many universities nationwide held flash protests in response.<ref>{{cite news |title=นักศึกษาธรรมศาสตร์ จัดแฟลชม็อบ ประณามสลายการชุมนุม |url=https://www.prachachat.net/politics/news-539340 |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work=Prachachat Turakij |date=16 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=นศ.ลุกฮือประณามรัฐ ต่อต้านใช้ความรุนแรง |url=https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/903081 |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work=Bangkokbiznews |language=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=นักศึกษา ม.ขอนแก่น รับไม่ได้ ลุกฮือจัดชุมนุม ประณามการกระทำจนท. |url=https://www.khaosod.co.th/around-thailand/news_5128108 |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work= Khaosod |date=16 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> Some right-wing personalities used an AFP video clip which showed a police officer in full riot gear being hit with [[Pincers (tool)|pincers]] to question whether the protesters were unarmed.<ref>{{cite news |title='หมอวรงค์'งัดภาพม็อบทำร้ายจนท.ด้วยคีมตัดเหล็กขนาดใหญ่ แฉขบวนการบิดเบือน |url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/190249 |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work= Siam Rath |date=17 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=อัษฎางค์ เปิดประเด็น ม็อบมือเปล่าจริงหรือ ด่าสถาบันฯ กลางราชประสงค์...เรียกชุมนุมสงบจริงหรือ |url=https://www.tnews.co.th/politic/535837/อัษฎางค์-เปิดประเด็น-ม็อบมือเปล่าจริงหรือ-ด่าสถาบันฯ-กลางราชประสงค์เรียกชุมนุมสงบจริงหรือ |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work= TNews |date=17 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> The blue colour dye in the water—speculated to be [[methylene blue]], [[Azure A]], or [[Thionine]]<ref>{{cite news |title=ไขข้อสงสัย สลายม็อบ 'แยกปทุมวัน' ทำไมต้อง 'น้ำสีฟ้า' !? |url=https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/903043 |accessdate=18 October 2020 |work=ฺBangkokbiznews |language=th}}</ref>—was used to mark participants for potential arrest later.<ref name=neumann_16102020>{{cite news|first=Scott|last=Neumann|title=Police In Bangkok Use Water Cannon To Break Up Anti-Government Protests|date=16 October 2020|website=NPR.com|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/10/16/924616262/police-in-bangkok-use-water-cannon-to-break-up-anti-government-protests|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref> Protesters complained that the water contained a skin and eye irritant.<ref name=neumann_16102020/> The police could not confirm the exact type of chemicals deployed and were criticized for not appearing more curious about the chemicals they had purchased.<ref>{{cite news |title=Police insist water cannons did not fire harmful chemicals |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2003803/police-insist-water-cannons-did-not-fire-harmful-chemicals |accessdate=18 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> The police said the chemicals were not dangerous and that they were following "international standards" for crowd control;<ref name=neumann_16102020/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Yuda|first=Masayuki|date=18 October 2020|title=Thailand's crackdown on protests turns violent: Five things to know|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Thailand-s-crackdown-on-protests-turns-violent-Five-things-to-know|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Nikkei Asian Review}}</ref> however, [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]] guidance states water cannon should be used only against violent protests.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Human Rights Watch|date=17 October 2020|title=Thailand: Water Cannon Used Against Peaceful Activists|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/10/17/thailand-water-cannon-used-against-peaceful-activists|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> |
|||
Protests grew bigger afterwards as the leaders adjusted and held demonstrations at multiple locations on short notice, giving police less opportunity to coordinate a response.<ref name=paddock_21102020/> On 17 October, an estimated 23,000 participants held rallies mainly at three different sites in Bangkok and several smaller sites, despite the government-ordered shutdown of the [[MRT (Bangkok)|MRT]] and [[BTS Skytrain|BTS]] rapid transit systems, which affected hundreds of thousands of commuters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Protesters pick 3 sites as mass transit shut down |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2003711/protesters-pick-3-sites-as-mass-transit-shut-down |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> Protests were also held in at least six other provinces. Two demonstrators who were charged with attempting "violence against the queen’s liberty" were granted bail.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thepgumpanat|first=Patpicha Tanakasempipat, Panarat|date=17 October 2020|title=Tens of thousands protest across Thailand in defiance of ban|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-protests-idUSKBN27206N|access-date=17 October 2020}}</ref> On 18 October, according to police figures, approximately 4,000 protesters demonstrated at Victory Monument, with over 2,000 attending rallies at two Bangkok intersections; protests continued in several provinces.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=House mulls meet to end unrest|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2004155/house-mulls-meet-to-end-unrest|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> On 19 October, crowds gathered at three locations in the northern suburbs of Bangkok, including outside Bangkok Remand Prison, where many activists arrested for involvement in the protest were detained. Two demands were also presented to the government, asking for the release of activists without persecution and for the emergency decree to be revoked within 24 hours.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thailand latest: Protesters warn of a 'surprise' if demands not met|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Thailand-latest-Protesters-warn-of-a-surprise-if-demands-not-met|access-date=20 October 2020|website=Nikkei Asia|language=en-GB}}</ref> On 20 October, after the government threatened to shut down Facebook pages and [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]], the leading group of the protesters, the Free Youth, announced a 'big surprise' for 6pm,<ref>{{Cite web|last=coconutsbangkok|date=20 October 2020|title=Free Youth vows ‘surprise’ if gov’t fails to release protesters today {{!}} Coconuts Bangkok|url=https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/free-youth-vows-surprise-if-govt-fails-to-release-protesters-today/|access-date=20 October 2020|website=Coconuts|language=en-US}}</ref> which was revealed to be that protesters would take a break.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Free Youth protesters hit pause|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2005303/free-youth-protesters-hit-pause|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=20 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
{{External media |
|||
| video1 = [https://twitter.com/i/status/1318907110848040960 Assault of student protesters at Ramkhamhaeng University 21 October 2020], Twitter video |
|||
}} |
|||
On 21 October, a pro-government Facebook page posted pictures of a parade of bureaucrats expressing allegiance to the King.<ref>{{cite news |title=Crowds rally in provinces in support of monarchy |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2006019/crowds-rally-in-provinces-in-support-of-monarchy |accessdate=22 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> In a televised evening speech on 21 October, Prayut suggested that both sides de-escalate and reconcile their differences through the parliamentary process. He offered to promptly lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok if there was no further violence<ref name=paddock_21102020>{{cite news|first1=Richard C.|last1=Paddock|first2=Muktita|last2=Suhartono|title=Thailand’s Leader Offers End to Crackdown on Pro-Democracy Protesters|date=21 October 2020|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/world/asia/thailand-protest-prayuth-emergency.html|accessdate=22 October 2020}}</ref><ref name=bp_22102020>{{cite news|title=PM offers end to 'emergency'|date=22 October 2020|newspaper=Bangok Post|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2006015/pm-offers-end-to-emergency|accessdate=22 October 2020}}</ref> and asked the protesters to tone down the level of their rhetoric.<ref name=bp_22102020/> After gathering earlier in the day at Victory Monument, thousands marched the {{convert|4|km|mi|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} to Government House and delivered a resignation letter for Prayut to sign,<ref name=paddock_21102020/> pledging to back off if he resigned within three days and dismissed all legal action against the protest leaders.<ref name=bp_22102020/> On the same day, the protesters and a group of royalist counter-protesters wearing yellow shirts clashed at Ramkhamhaeng University, when the latter crossed the police line and attacked the former,<ref>{{cite news |title=ม.รามเดือด กลุ่มปกป้องสถาบัน เผชิญหน้า-ปะทะ กลุ่มรามคำแหงปชต. ตร.ห้ามวุ่น |url=https://www.khaosod.co.th/breaking-news/news_5159654 |accessdate=22 October 2020 |work=Khaosod |date=21 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> resulting in one injured student and a prosecution report.<ref name="mgr2210">{{cite news |title=เครือข่ายรามคำแหงฯ เข้าแจ้งความกลุ่มเสื้อเหลืองทำร้ายร่างกาย |url=https://mgronline.com/politics/detail/9630000107944 |accessdate=22 October 2020 |work=Manager Online |date=21 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> The following day, Prayut revoked the severe emergency declaration, on the grounds that the severity of the situation had lessened.<ref>{{cite news|title=State of emergency ends in Bangkok|date=22 October 2020|newspaper=Bangkok Post|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2006459/state-of-emergency-ends-in-bangkok|accessdate=22 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Helen|last=Regan|title=Thailand's Prime Minister lifts state of emergency. Protesters give him three days to resign|date=22 October 2020|website=CNN.com|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/22/asia/thailand-protests-state-of-emergency-intl-hnk/index.html|accessdate=22 October 2020}}</ref> |
|||
== Financing == |
|||
The protests are financed by private donations,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-53944094 | title = เปิดบทสนทนาของนักศึกษากลุ่ม "ไทยภักดี" กับ "ประชาชนปลดแอก" ว่าด้วยท่อน้ำเลี้ยง-เพดาน-สิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์ | publisher = BBC | work = BBC ไทย | date = 28 August 2020 | accessdate = 18 October 2020| lang = th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thansettakij.com/content/politics/449442|title=กัดไม่ปล่อย จ่อร้อง "สรรพากร" สอบท่อน้ำเลี้ยงม็อบ|date=17 September 2020|accessdate=18 October 2020|publisher=ฐานเศรษฐกิจ|work=ฐานเศรษฐกิจ|location=Bangkok|lang=th}}</ref> mainly from actress [[Intira Charoenpura]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanook.com/news/8257771/|title=ทราย เจริญปุระ โพสต์โต้ปมควักเงินหนุนม็อบ ลั่น "จะตรวจสอบอะไร ไม่ได้รับบริจาค"|author=Komkrit Duangmanee|work=สนุก! นิวส์|publisher=เทนเซนต์ (ประเทศไทย)|date=22 September 2020|accessdate=18 October 2020|location=Bangkok|lang=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanook.com/news/8255750/|title=มาแล้ว! "ทราย เจริญปุระ" ตั้งโรงครัวให้ชาวม็อบ บริเวณสนามหลวงใกล้พระแม่ธรณีฯ|work=สนุก! นิวส์|publisher=เทนเซนต์ (ประเทศไทย)|date=19 September 2020|accessdate=18 October 2020|location=Bangkok|lang=th}}</ref> and the [[Fandom culture in South Korea|K-pop fandom]] in Thailand<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.matichon.co.th/entertainment/news_2400337 | title = ปังมาก! แฟนคลับเกาหลี โดเนทท่อน้ำเลี้ยงม็อบ ไม่กี่วันทะลุล้าน ผุดแคมเปญ เลิกซื้อโฆษณารฟฟ. | date = 17 October 2020 | accessdate = 18 October 2020 | location = Bangkok | work = มติชน | publisher = มติชน |lang=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.prachachat.net/d-life/news-539837 | title = สุดปังพลังติ่ง แฟนคลับศิลปินเกาหลีระดมเงิน 2.3 ล้านสนับสนุนม็อบ | date = 17 October 2020 | accessdate = 18 October 2020 | location = Bangkok | work = ประชาชาติธุรกิจ | publisher = ประชาชาติธุรกิจ | lang = th}}</ref> — the latter alone donated over {{currency|3.6 M|THB}} (around {{currency|115,399|USD}}<!-- calculated with average 31.2 THB/USD this year-->) on 18 October 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.korseries.com/thai-kpop-fans-raise-funds-for-pro-democracy-movement-in-thailand/|lang=th|location=Bangkok|title=เหล่าแฟนคลับศิลปินเกาหลีร่วมระดมทุนท่อน้ำเลี้ยง ยอดทะลุล้านในเวลาอันรวดเร็ว!|work=Kornews|publisher=Kornews|accessdate=18 October 2020|date=18 October 2020}}</ref> There have been attempts to prosecute the donors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voicetv.co.th/read/Z4w98ygTB|title='ศรีสุวรรณ' ร้องสอบ 'ท่อน้ำเลี้ยงม็อบ' รับหาหลักฐานเอาผิด 'กปปส.' ยาก|author=กองบรรณาธิการวอยซ์ออนไลน์|date=16 September 2020|accessdate=18 October 2020|location=Bangkok|work=Voice Online|publisher=Voice}}</ref> A conspiracy theory accusing foreigners, including the United States government and American organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Netflix, of funding the protests has been voiced by the royalist group Thailand Vision and campaigners at pro-government rallies, leading the United States embassy in Bangkok to issue a formal statement of denial.<ref>{{Cite web|last=English|first=Khaosod|date=31 August 2020|title=U.S. Embassy Denies Funding Anti-Govt Protests|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/08/31/u-s-embassy-denies-funding-anti-govt-protests/|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref> |
|||
== Reactions == |
|||
{{main|Reactions to the 2020 Thai protests}} |
|||
=== State response and arrests === |
|||
[[File:Student_protester_hit_by_a_tear_gas.jpg|thumb|A student protester receiving first aid after being hit by chemicals on 16 October.]] |
|||
{{External media |
|||
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOvrSMNNWlk Arrest of student leader Parit Chiwarak on 14 August] (3:09, in Thai), YouTube video. |
|||
| video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4eE7Z_WpAY Arrest of student leader Pai Daodin on 13 October] (0:39), Youtube video. |
|||
}} |
|||
An ''Isaan Record'' analysis found that the government response has included force and [[intimidation]], [[arbitrary detention]], arrests and changes, disinformation, the deployment of [[Royal_Thai_Army#Information_operation|military Information and Operations units]], media [[censorship]], [[Delaying tactic|delaying tactics]], [[obfuscation]], support for pro-government groups, [[gaslighting]], and negotiation,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chotanan|first=Patawee|date=|title=Dancing with dictatorship: how the government is dealing with the Free Youth movement|url=https://isaanrecord.com/2020/08/28/dancing-with-dictatorship-how-the-government-is-dealing-youth-movement/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}</ref> as well as mobile jamming devices.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 August 2020|title=รอง ผบช.น.รับออกหนังสือคำสั่งใช้รถตัดสัญญาณจริง|language=th|work=Komchadluek|url=https://www.komchadluek.net/news/politic/441271|accessdate=24 August 2020}}</ref> The Government Public Relations Department of Thailand released two propaganda YouTube videos attacking the protesters.<ref>{{cite news |title=แห่ดิสไลค์ คลิปกรมประชาฯ โวยรัฐใช้ภาษีทำคลิปดิสเครดิตม็อบเยาวชน |url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/society/1915857 |accessdate=22 August 2020 |work=ไทยรัฐ |date=22 August 2020 |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
Prayut blamed the protesters for further damaging the country's economy.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prayut says the economic situation will not recover because of the protesters |url=https://www.thaienquirer.com/19568/prayut-says-the-economic-situation-will-not-recover-because-of-the-protesters/ |accessdate=12 October 2020 |work=Thai Enquirer |date=12 October 2020}}</ref> Key military personnel, such as General [[Apirat Kongsompong]], the [[List of commanders-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army|Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army]], condemned the protesters, even accusing them of lése majesté,<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 July 2020|title="บิ๊กแดง" น้ำตาคลอ! เปิดใจถึงม็อบ นศ. เตือนอย่าใช้วาจาจาบจ้วง|url=https://www.thaich8.com/news_detail/90258|url-status=live|access-date=26 July 2020|website=Channel 8|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725185215/https://www.thaich8.com/news_detail/90258|archive-date=25 July 2020}}</ref> while the new Army commander Narongpan Jittkaewtae told the protesters to "reform yourselves first."<ref>{{cite news |title=ผบ.ทบ. ลั่นโอกาสรัฐประหาร "เป็นศูนย์" |url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-54430247 |accessdate=6 October 2020 |work=BBC ไทย |language=th}}</ref> Public Health Minister [[Anutin Charnvirakul]], a notable politician from a junior coalition partner, expressed concern about implications for COVID-19 spread whilst signaling his own neutrality.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2020|title=จับตา! #ม็อบไม่มุ้งมิ้งแต่ตุ้งติ้ง ทวง 3 ข้อรัฐบาล|url=https://news.thaipbs.or.th/content/294913|url-status=live|access-date=26 July 2020|website=ThaiPBS|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726060624/https://news.thaipbs.or.th/content/294913|archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> |
|||
The authorities have intimidated protesters via the state academic system. The Thai authorities, referencing the [[Thammasat University massacre|Thammasat University Massacre]] and [[Black May (1992)|1992 protests]], ordered universities to prevent students from demanding monarchy reform and to compile lists of protest leaders.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Exclusive: Thailand tells universities to stop students' calls for monarchy reform|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/exclusive-thailand-tells-universities-to-stop-students-calls-for-monarchy-reform/ar-BB18Za7X|access-date=14 September 2020|website=www.msn.com}}</ref> Some universities and schools responded by forbidding their staff and students to join the protests and by banning gatherings on their grounds, claiming COVID-19 concerns, while police issued warning letters.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 July 2020|title=ด่วน! ตร.พัทลุง ทำหนังสือถึงโรงเรียน สั่งห้าม นร.-นศ. ชุมนุมไล่รัฐบาล|url=https://www.khaosod.co.th/special-stories/news_4571411|url-status=live|access-date=26 July 2020|website=Khaosod|language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726062227/https://www.khaosod.co.th/special-stories/news_4571411|archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> On 18 August, a Ministry of Education department allowed students to hold rallies in state schools.<ref>{{cite news |title=ให้ทุกรร.สังกัดสพฐ.อนุญาตเด็กจัดชุมนุมแต่ห้ามคนนอกร่วม |url=https://www.nationtv.tv/main/content/378790959/ |accessdate=18 August 2020 |work=เนชั่น |date=18 August 2020 |language=th}}</ref> However, in late August, student groups reported that at least 109 schools had suppressed or intimidated political expression.<ref>{{cite news |title=เปิดชื่อ 109 รร. คุกคาม นร. "ผูกโบว์ขาว-ชู 3 นิ้ว" |url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-53886779 |accessdate=24 August 2020 |work=BBC Thai |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
{{As of|October 2020}}, at least 167 people were arrested, with charges including [[sedition]];{{efn|name=arrest}} five were arrested without charges.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anti-Govt Protesters Detained, Given 'Attitude Adjustment' in Jungle |url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/08/10/anti-govt-protesters-detained-given-attitude-adjustment-in-jungle/ |accessdate=29 September 2020 |work=Khaosod English}}</ref> In early August, watchdog organization iLaw reported at least 78 incidents of intimidation of protest sympathizers.<ref name="BBC1408" /> In early September, the police summonsed the first schoolchild protester for violating the security laws.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=10 September 2020|title=High school student summoned for Ratchaburi protest|work=Prachatai|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8784|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> At least 63 protesters have been charged under the controversial and repeatedly extended COVID-19 emergency decree, in 17 cases, despite the government claiming it would not be employed in this way.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=The politics of decree|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1995055/the-politics-of-decree|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
The state has attempted to severely restrict online freedom of speech. On 24 August, in response to a Thai government order, [[Facebook, Inc.|Facebook]] blocked access in Thailand to the million-member main [[Facebook]] page critical of the monarchy, Royalist Marketplace.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Rojanaphruk|first1=Pravit|last2=Writer|first2=Senior Staff|date=30 August 2020|title=Opinion: The Irony of a Facebook Group Critical of the Monarchy|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2020/08/30/opinion-the-irony-of-a-facebook-group-critical-of-the-monarchy/|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref> Facebook is challenging the order in the courts.<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 August 2020|title=Facebook blocks group critical of Thai monarchy|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53899816|access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref> |
|||
The authorities attempted to block more than 2,200 websites ahead of the 19 September rally.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thailand to block 2,000 websites ahead of pro-democracy protests|work=Nikkei Asian Review|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Thailand-to-block-2-000-websites-ahead-of-pro-democracy-protests|accessdate=19 September 2020}}</ref> Following the rally, a minister filed a complaint to prosecute Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for allowing anti-government content, the first time the Computer Crimes Act has been used against foreign service providers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ngamkham|first=Wassayos|date=|title=Govt taking legal action against major social media providers|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1990975/govt-taking-legal-action-against-major-social-media-providers|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=24 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> A Thai media provider was reported to be censoring a foreign news network reporting the protests.<ref>{{cite news |title=โซเชียลตั้งคำถาม ทีวีไทยเซ็นเซอร์ ตัดสัญญาณออกอากาศสื่อต่างประเทศ |url=https://www.matichon.co.th/politics/news_2395649 |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=มติชนออนไลน์ |date=15 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
A severe state of emergency was declared in Bangkok during 15–22 October,<ref name="asianik1510">{{cite news |title=Thailand latest: Bangkok's big malls brace for afternoon protest |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Thailand-latest-Bangkok-s-big-malls-brace-for-afternoon-protest |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=Nikkei Asia}}</ref> during which the police moved to ban or block anti-government or independent media, together with the Free Youth Facebook page,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Police move to silence news, Facebook platforms|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2004507/police-move-to-silence-news-facebook-platforms|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> and seized books criticizing the monarchy.<ref>{{cite news |title=ตำรวจบุก “ฟ้าเดียวกัน” ตรวจยึดหนังสือวิจารณ์สถาบันกษัตริย์ |url=https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9630000106492 |accessdate=19 October 2020 |work=Manager Online |date=19 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> [[Ministry of Digital Economy and Society]] stated it intended to prosecute internet service providers and online platforms which allows prohibited content, and reported about 320,000 illegal messages.<ref>{{cite news |title=ช่วงม็อบพบโพสต์ผิดพรก. 3.2 แสนข้อความ จ่อฟันคนโพสต์-สื่อ-นักการเมือง |url=https://www.khaosod.co.th/breaking-news/news_5142096 |accessdate=19 October 2020 |work=Khaosod |date=19 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> In response, several Thai press associations issued a joint statement opposing suppression of the media.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Media groups warn govt|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2004711/media-groups-warn-govt|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=20 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> The authorities also required foreign diplomats to obtain advance permission to observe protests.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Raksaseri|first=Kornchanok|date=|title=You can observe rallies, envoys told|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2005427/you-can-observe-rallies-envoys-told|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=21 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> An extraordinary session was to held on 26–27 October to resolve the political situation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Parliament readies for crisis session |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2006679/parliament-readies-for-crisis-session |accessdate=23 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
=== The King's position === |
|||
The King and the palace initially did not express any public opinion about the protests. In August, the [[Asia Times]] quoted a government official stating that the King was not bothered by the 'children's' protests,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Crispin |first1=Shawn W. |title=New generation of daring resistance in Thailand |url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/08/new-generation-of-daring-resistance-in-thailand/ |accessdate=20 August 2020 |work=Asia Times |date=18 August 2020}}</ref> but an [[Al Jazeera]] article reported that the Thai monarchy has asked Thai media to censor mention of the ten demands.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thai PM says protesters' call for monarchy reform 'went too far'|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/thai-pm-protesters-call-monarchy-reform-200812040213555.html|access-date=20 August 2020|website=aljazeera.com}}</ref> |
|||
On 16 October, a speech by Vajiralongkorn the day before was made public, stating: "Now it is understood that the country needs people who love the country and love the monarchy".<ref name=beech_16102020/> On 24 October, a video of the King praising former PDRC leader and ex-monk Buddha Issara and another counter-protester who raised a picture of late king Bhumibol among the protesters was posted in a royalist Facebook group;<ref>{{cite news |title="ในหลวง" ตรัส "กล้ามาก เก่งมาก ขอบใจ" ชายชูพระบรมฉายาลักษณ์ ร.๙ กลางผู้ประท้วง (ชมคลิป) |url=https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9630000108677 |accessdate=23 October 2020 |work=Manager Online |date=24 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> royalists embraced it, while the protesters saw the comment as his clear position, prompting hashtag #23ตุลาตาสว่าง (23Oct Eyes Opened) to trend on the country's twitter.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thai king's praise for defiant loyalist draws controversy |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-thailand-protests-king/thai-kings-praise-for-defiant-loyalist-draws-controversy-idUKKBN27909F |accessdate=24 October 2020 |work=Reuters |date=24 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
=== Support === |
|||
In August, a [[Move Forward Party]] MP stated that some references to the monarchy in the protests were inconvenient truths that required attention. He received stark responses from ''Manager Online'' and General [[Apirat Kongsompong]], who insisted that some protesters intended to overthrow the monarchy, or had fallen victim to third-party manipulators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mgronline.com/politics/detail/9630000075756|title= ยอมรับแล้ว! "ปิยบุตร" ยืมปาก "พิธา" เฉลย "ล้มเจ้า" ในม็อบ "สาธิต" นักธุรกิจอินเดียรักในหลวงขอถก "บิ๊กแดง"|access-date=30 August 2020|website=mgronline.com|date=23 July 2020|language=th}}</ref> In early September, the leader of the [[Pheu Thai Party]], [[Sompong Amornwiwat]], stated a motion from the opposition coalition to amend Article 256 was aligned with the demands of the protesters.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=8 September 2020|title=เพื่อไทย แถลงการณ์ ของเสียงทุกฝ่ายให้ครบ 250 ดัน ตั้ง ส.ส.ร.แก้รธน.|url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/politic/1926191|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Thairath online|language=th}}</ref> |
|||
Despite threats to their careers,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Tun-atiruj|first=Choltanutkun|date=28 August 2020|title=Maria Poonlertlarp: the price of having political opinions|url=https://thisrupt.co/current-affairs/maria-poonlertlarp-price-of-having-political-opinions/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=30 August 2020|website=thisrupt.co}}</ref> many Thai celebrities have publicly expressed support for the protesters.<ref>{{Cite web|last=S|first=Achi|date=20 July 2020|title=เอก HRK และ โบ๊ะบ๊ะแฟมมิลี่ ออกมาแสดงจุดยืนทางการเมือง ถึงกลุ่ม เยาวชนปลดแอก|url=https://www.brighttv.co.th/news/politics/heartrocker|access-date=30 August 2020|website=Bright Today|language=th}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=13 August 2020|title=Time to call out. Thai stars show solidarity with protest leader.|url=https://workpointtoday.com/time-to-call-out/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=workpointTODAY}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=19 July 2020|title=คอมเมนต์สนั่น! ปรากฏการณ์โซเชียลมูฟเมนต์ จากไอดอลสาว BNK 48|url=https://www.amarintv.com/news/detail/39223|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Amarin|language=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=14 August 2020|title=ดารา-คนบันเทิง แห่โพสต์สนับสนุนเสรีภาพ ต้านการคุกคามประชาชน|url=https://www.prachachat.net/social-media-viral/news-505715|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Prachachat|language=th}}</ref> A group of 147 university faculty members has issued a statement saying the protesters' demand for monarchical reform did not violate the law. The Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights, another group of 358 scholars, has also expressed full support for the protesters.<ref name="nikkei" /> A physician was sacked for signing petition in support of the movement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Doctor sacked for opposing govt's dispersal of protesters |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2004067/doctor-sacked-for-opposing-govts-dispersal-of-protesters |accessdate=18 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
In August, [[UNICEF]] issued a statement invoking the [[Convention on the Rights of the Child]] that called for schools and learning institutions to be safe havens and forums for children's freedom of expression.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UNICEF calls for the protection of children and young people amid protests in Thailand|url=https://www.unicef.org/thailand/press-releases/unicef-calls-protection-children-and-young-people-amid-protests-thailand|date=18 August 2020|access-date=14 September 2020|website=www.unicef.org|language=en, th}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=18 August 2020|title=Unicef reminds Thailand of young people's right to safety, freedom of expression|url=http://www.nationthailand.com/news/30393142|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 September 2020|website=The Nation|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]] and [[Amnesty International]] recognized the peaceful nature of the rallies, and condemned police crackdowns.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thailand: Bangkok shuts public transport as protests persist {{!}} DW {{!}} 17 October 2020 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/thailand-bangkok-shuts-public-transport-as-protests-persist/a-55308905 |accessdate=17 October 2020 |work=Deutshe Welle}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Thailand: Police disperse pro-democracy protesters outside PM's office |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/10/15/thailand-pm-declares-state-of-emergency-as-police-disperse-protesters-outside-his-office |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=Euro News |date=15 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Human Rights Watch]] Asia director stated, "Criminalizing peaceful protests and calls for political reform is a hallmark of authoritarian rule" and called for governments and the United Nations to condemn the repression of the protests and urge the release of protesters.<ref name="bkp1610" /> Some international groups and individuals expressed their support for the movements, include [[Tuen Mun Community Network]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Tuen Mun Community Network:Let the totalitarian end in our generation|url=https://www.facebook.com/1758864531003850/posts/2852342138322745/|accessdate=14 August 2020|work=[[Tuen Mun Community Network]]|date=14 August 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814122425/https://www.facebook.com/1758864531003850/posts/2852342138322745/ |archivedate=14 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and Hong Kong activist [[Joshua Wong]].<ref>{{cite news |title=โจชัว หว่อง ฝากถึงชาวโลก ให้ช่วยยืนเคียงข้างชาวไทยหัวใจประชาธิปไตย |url=https://www.khaosod.co.th/politics/news_5123020 |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Khaosod |date=16 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> Civil society groups in South Korea urged their government to stop exporting water cannon to Thailand.<ref>{{cite news |title=เกาหลีใต้ จี้ รบ.เลิกส่งออกรถฉีดน้ำสลายม็อบ |url=https://voicetv.co.th/read/5o70Fh_nU |accessdate=23 October 2020 |work=VoiceTV |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
On 22 October, UN human rights experts, including Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, issued a statement urging the government to guarantee the fundamental rights of free speech and peaceful assembly and to remove the ban on peaceful protests.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Prayut lifts state of emergency|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2006623/prayut-lifts-state-of-emergency|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-10-23|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
=== Opposition === |
|||
State-sponsored<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Cool heads must prevail|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1987667/cool-heads-must-prevail|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=18 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> organized opposition to the protests emerged in August and included the accusation of a global conspiracy being funded or masterminded by a foreign government or NGOs. On 10 August, the Thai Move Institute released a diagram of an alleged 'people's revolution network' linking student protests to former Future Forward Party leader [[Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit]] and former prime minister [[Thaksin Shinawatra]].<ref>{{cite news|date=10 August 2020|title=สถาบันทิศทางไทย เปิดผังเครือข่ายปฏิวัติประชาชน(เพ้อฝัน)|language=th|work=Nation|url=https://www.nationtv.tv/main/content/378789482/|accessdate=10 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Thai protest icon is 'prepared' to cross kingdom's forbidden line|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Thai-protest-icon-is-prepared-to-cross-kingdom-s-forbidden-line|access-date=19 September 2020|website=Nikkei Asian Review|language=en-GB}}</ref> In the same month, a pro-government Facebook page, 'Thailand Vision', asserted the existence of a 'global conspiracy' to overthrow the [[Monarchy of Thailand|Thai monarchy]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=A global conspiracy against the Thai Kingdom|url=https://thisrupt.co/current-affairs/global-conspiracy-against-thai-kingdom/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=31 August 2020|website=thisrupt.co}}</ref> The police and right-wing group also targeted Thanatorn and his allies for being accused of masterminding the protests.<ref>{{cite news |title=ตำรวจ บุกไทยซัมมิท กลางวงแถลงข่าวคณะก้าวหน้า |url=https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/902934 |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Bangkokbiznews |language=th</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=บุก 'ไทยซัมมิท' หนสอง ศ.ป.ป.ส.ไล่ 'ธนาธร' พ้นแผ่นดิน จี้ถือธงนำหน้า อย่าแอบหลังขบวนการ น.ศ. |url=https://www.matichon.co.th/politics/news_2391144 |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Matichon |date=12 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
Rightist media and organizations quickly attacked the August demands for monarchy reform, stating that the call to reform the monarchy was an act of evil, causing disunity and undermining the monarchy, and accusing Pheu Thai and the former Future Forward Party of manipulating protesters.<ref>{{cite news |title=หยุดจาบจ้วงพระมหากษัตริย์ |url=https://www.naewna.com/politic/columnist/44933 |accessdate=17 August 2020 |work=Naewna |language=th}}</ref> Most politicians expressed a negative reaction to the demands, including [[Sudarat Keyuraphan]], an influential Pheu Thai politician.<ref>{{cite news |title='สุดารัตน์'ติงไม่ควรก้าวล่วงสถาบัน วอนยึด3ข้อเรียกร้อง |url=https://www.dailynews.co.th/politics/789354 |accessdate=11 August 2020 |work=เดลินิวส์ |date=11 August 2020 |language=th}}</ref> On social media platforms, user accounts, including ones coordinated by the ultra-royalist [[Rubbish Collection Organization]],<ref>{{Citation|last=Neumayer|first=Christina|title=Nationalist and Anti-Fascist Movements in Social Media|date=22 December 2015|work=The Routledge Companion to Social Media and Politics|pages=296–307|place=New York, NY|publisher=Routledge|doi=10.4324/9781315716299-22|isbn=978-1-315-71629-9}}</ref> which has been characterized as [[fascist]], attacked protesters,{{efn|See its characterisation in: <ref name=":RCO1">{{Cite book|last1=Sombatpoonsiri|first1=Janjira|url=https://carnegieendowment.org/files/Youngs_Conservative_Civil_Society_FINAL.pdf|title=The mobilization of conservative civil society|last2=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|date=2018|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|isbn=|editor-last=Youngs|editor-first=Richard|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=27–32|language=English|chapter=Conservative Civil Society in Thailand|oclc=1059452133}}</ref><ref name=":RCO2">{{Cite web|last=Correspondent|first=Our|title=Thailand Blocks Overseas Opposition Voice|url=https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/thailand-shuts-strong-opposition-voice|access-date=29 August 2020|website=www.asiasentinel.com}}</ref><ref name=":RCO3">{{Cite journal|date=2016|title=New Social Media and Politics in Thailand: The Emergence of Fascist Vigilante Groups on Facebook|journal=ASEAS – Austrian Journal of South-East Asian Studies|language=German|volume=9|issue=2|pages=215–234|issn=1999-2521|oclc=7179244833}}</ref>}} some going so far as to urging [[Child sexual abuse|child rape]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title="Whores" & "Sluts": why "good people" love these insults|url=https://thisrupt.co/current-affairs/whores-sluts-why-good-people-love-these-insults/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=14 September 2020|website=thisrupt.co}}</ref> In mid-September, Thailand's [[Constitutional Court of Thailand|Constitutional Court]] accepted a complaint of [[treason]] against the 10 Demands protest leaders.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Constitutional Court accepts treason complaint against protest leaders|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8801|access-date=19 September 2020|website=Prachatai English|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=English|first=Khaosod|date=17 September 2020|title=Court To Rule Whether Protest Leaders Committed Treason|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/09/17/court-to-rule-whether-protest-leaders-committed-treason/|access-date=19 September 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref> Right-wing groups and media quickly attacked the protesters from the royal motorcade incident on 14 October.<ref>{{cite news |title=ม็อบ3นิ้วเหิมเกริมหนักล้อมขบวนเสด็จ-ยึดทำเนียบฯไล่นายกฯ |url=https://mgronline.com/daily/detail/9630000104991 |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=Manager Online |date=15 October 2020 |language=en-th}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=เอาแล้ว! 'ลุงกำนัน' เหลืออดม็อบคุกคามขบวนเสด็จ ชวนพี่น้องร่วมอุดมการณ์ปกป้องสถาบัน |url=https://www.thaipost.net/main/detail/80559 |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=Thai Post |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
At least 103 cases of harassment of students have been reported,<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=11 September 2020|title=11th grader summoned by teacher, asked not to give protest speeches|work=Prachatai|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8785|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> and protesting tactics have been condemned; some considered a protester's act of hurling paint at police officers to be violent.<ref>{{cite news |title='อ.เจษฎา' ชี้ม็อบสาดสีใส่ตร. 'รุนแรง-คุกคาม' ยกตัวอย่างสากลประท้วงสันติวิธีด้วยภาพวาด |url=https://www.thaipost.net/main/detail/75897 |accessdate=1 September 2020 |work=Thai Post |language=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=เพจโปลิศไทยแลนด์ ตำหนิม็อบสาดสีใส่ตำรวจไม่เกิดผลดีเลย แสดงออกถึงตัวตนเป็นเช่นไร |url=https://www.thaipost.net/main/detail/75833 |accessdate=1 September 2020 |work=Thai Post |language=th}}</ref> Opponents also find vulgar language used by protest leaders unacceptable.<ref>{{cite news |title=หมอสุกิจ อัดม็อบหยาบคายใส่ 'ชวน' ยันเป็นกลาง ไล่ไปด่า ส.ส.-สว.ตัวเอง |url=https://www.khaosod.co.th/politics/news_4983505 |accessdate=14 October 2020 |work=ข่าวสด |date=25 September 2020 |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
Royalist and pro-government media often run stories which portrayed counter-protesters as victims, or the protesters started agitating for violence.<ref>{{cite news |title=มือมืดปาสี ใส่กลุ่มไทยภักดี ขณะชุมนุมปกป้องสถาบันที่ศาลหลักเมืองขอนแก่น |url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/191988 |accessdate=23 October 2020 |work=Siam Rath |date=23 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=ชูป้ายผิดชีวิตเปลี่ยน หวิดถูก'กลุ่มผู้ชุมนุม'ประชาทัณฑ์ |url=https://www.dailynews.co.th/politics/802725 |accessdate=23 October 2020 |work=Daily News |date=23 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> |
|||
=== Polls === |
|||
A national Suan Dusit poll from 16 to 21 August of 197,029 people found that 59.1% stated the students were making demands as permitted in a democracy, 62.8% agreed with the demand for reform of the Constitution and 53.9% agreed that the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should "resign or dissolve parliament", while 59.5% agreed that the government should "stop intimidating" people. Overall support for the protests stood at 53.7%, with 41.2% opposed.<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=Majority agree with Free People group's demands: Poll|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1973067|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=23 August 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
== Analysis == |
|||
=== Protestor tactics and demands === |
|||
[[File:Bangkok Protests 15 October 2020 Ratchaprasong Bangkok 06.jpg|thumb|Protesters on 15 October at [[Ratchaprasong]] calling for reform and the release of their friends.]] |
|||
Some commentators say demands for monarchy reform before have only been made by fringe groups, yet there is consensus that this protest is the first time such demands have been discussed publicly. The calls may drive away some sympathisers, but if the government cracks down on the protests as a consequence, it could bring more support to the movement.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Helen Regan |author2= Kocha Olarn |title=Thailand's monarchy was long considered God-like. But protesters say it's time for change |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/17/asia/thailand-democracy-protests-monarchy-intl-hnk/index.html |accessdate=24 August 2020 |work=CNN}}</ref> In mid-August, Atith Keating wrote that student protests lack a coherent strategy; they do not have plans beyond day-to-day demonstrations. This may be caused by the lack of a centralised structure, as in the peak of student movements in the 1970s.<ref>{{cite news|date=13 August 2020|title=Opinion: Student Protest Leaders Lack a Coherent Strategy|work=Khaosod English|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2020/08/13/opinion-student-protest-leaders-lack-a-coherent-strategy/|accessdate=24 August 2020}}</ref> Student protesters are seen as being more creative, networked, and technologically savvy than the government and as having time on their side, as well as being the targets of disproportionate persecution that could sway public opinion, with at least a chance of causing the government to collapse provided the anti-monarchy element does not provoke a backlash.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Atiya|first=Achakulwisut|date=|title=Crackdown on student protest is a wasted effort|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1985547/crackdown-on-student-protest-is-a-wasted-effort|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> One ''Bangkok Post'' columnist wrote that [[republicanism|republican]] sentiment has never been stronger in Thailand,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cunningham |first1=Philip J |title=An unexpectedly successful protest |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1990175/an-unexpectedly-successful-protest |accessdate=24 September 2020 |work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> while another opined that the 19 September protest was a [[Path dependence|critical juncture]] for the movement, with the protesters needing to broaden their agenda again to wider societal reforms if it were to succeed.<ref name=":5" /> A political scientist professor opined that an absence of protest leaders increased the risk of the movement getting out of control and could further no strategic initiatives.<ref>{{cite news |title=Loss of protest leaders 'critical' |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2002815/loss-of-protest-leaders-critical |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
After the police crackdown on 16 October, hashtag #WhatsHappeningInThailand was increasingly used, with content published in English, Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean, across various social media platforms, to gain global attention to the situation in the country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thailand’s Protesters Want the World to Know #WhatsHappeningInThailand |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/10/thailands-protesters-want-the-world-to-know-whatshappeninginthailand/ |accessdate=22 October 2020 |work=Diplomat}}</ref> |
|||
=== Possibility of a coup === |
|||
By September, protester pressure meant speculation about the possibility of a Thai military coup against Prayut increased, as his administration began to be viewed as increasingly untenable,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ruffles|first=Michael|date=9 September 2020|title=Putsch to shove? Thai PM led a coup but won't talk about the chance of another|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/putsch-to-shove-thai-pm-led-a-coup-but-won-t-talk-about-the-chance-of-another-20200909-p55tzk.html|access-date=20 September 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref> and rumours became rife when a tank was spotted in the streets; the military stated, as is usual on such occasions, that this was part of a previously scheduled military exercise.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=10 September 2020|title=Anti-coup instructions spread as speculation runs riot|work=Prachatai|url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8783|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> However, this does not guarantee a more receptive audience to the protesters' demands as a palace-backed military faction is in ascendance.<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 September 2020|title="Red rim soldiers": the changing leadership of Thailand's military in 2020|url=https://www.newmandala.org/the-changing-leadership-of-thailands-military-in-2020/|access-date=21 September 2020|website=New Mandala|language=en-AU}}</ref> BBC correspondent [[Jonathan Head]] wrote that the authorities could end their tolerance of the protests since the King had returned to Thailand and might actively pursue those who they believed to fund the protesters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thai protests: Demonstrators gather again in Bangkok, defying crackdown |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54548988 |accessdate=15 October 2020 |work=BBC News |date=15 October 2020}}</ref> |
|||
=== Calls for government resignation === |
|||
Rumours that Prayut would resign gathered pace in mid-October.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2020|title=Student Protests in Thailand: The End of Political Quiescence|url=https://www.iseas.edu.sg/media/commentaries/student-protests-in-thailand-the-end-of-political-quiescence/|access-date=20 October 2020|website=ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute|language=en-US}}</ref> The Severe State of Emergency led to a 17 October ''Khaosod English'' editorial calling for Prayut to resign on the basis he had lost all legitimacy. The editorial's analysis noted that police had attacked and dispersed protesters outside Government House on 15 October, while the protesters were dispersing as requested by protest leaders, and that any public challenges against Prayut's government were now banned and incurred up to two years in prison. It further noted that the authorities had threatened mass arrests,<ref>{{Cite web|last=English|first=Khaosod|date=16 October 2020|title=7 Arrested for Fresh Protest, Cops Threaten to Charge Everyone|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/10/16/7-arrested-for-fresh-protest-cops-threaten-to-charge-everyone/|access-date=17 October 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref> thereby indicating the government could no longer distinguish between protesters and criminals, and that the deployment of soldiers at Parliament and suspension of all sessions mentioning politics had effectively terminated legislative power. It further noted up to 101 law professors and political scientists had issued an open letter questioning the legality of the Severe State of Emergency due to the lack of a national security threat such as terrorism or widespread violence. The editorial criticized the level of violence in the police dispersal of peaceful demonstrators on 16 October and mass arrests and the arrest of an accredited reporter for its effect on [[Freedom of the press|media freedom]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=English|first=Khaosod|date=16 October 2020|title=Editorial: Prayut Has Lost All Legitimacy. He Must Go.|url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2020/10/17/editorial-prayut-has-lost-all-legitimacy-he-must-go/|access-date=17 October 2020|website=Khaosod English|language=en-US}}</ref> |
|||
On 19 October, the ''Bangkok Post'' editorial called for Prayut to "listen to the young" in order to defuse the increasing political tension to prevent it escalating into violence that could severely destabilize the entire country and urged him to address reform of the constitution and of the senate.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Listen to the young|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2004247/listen-to-the-young|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 October 2020|website=Bangkok Post}}</ref> |
|||
== See also == |
|||
* [[Death of Wichian Klanprasert]] |
|||
* [[Education for Liberation of Siam]] |
|||
* [[Thai political crisis]] |
|||
== Explanatory notes == |
|||
{{Notelist}} |
|||
== References == |
|||
{{reflist}} |
|||
== External links == |
Revision as of 11:44, 24 October 2020
2020 Thai protests | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date |
| ||
Location | Thailand, including some overseas protests. | ||
Caused by |
| ||
Goals | |||
Methods | Demonstrations, sit-ins, flash protests, online activism, petition, protest art | ||
Status | Ongoing
| ||
Concessions | Study committee on constitutional amendment set up. | ||
Parties | |||
| |||
Lead figures | |||
Number | |||
| |||
Casualties | |||
Injuries | 10+ [b] | ||
Arrested | 167+[c] | ||
Charged | 63+[d] |
Thailand portal |
The ongoing 2020 Thai protests are a series of protests against the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which have included demands for reform of the Thai monarchy, unprecedented in the contemporary era. The protests were initially triggered by the dissolution of the Future Forward Party in late February 2020. The party was critical of Prayut and the country's political landscape designed by the current 2017 constitution. The protesters are mostly students and young people without an overall leader.[24]
This first wave of protests was held exclusively on academic campuses and was brought to a halt by the COVID-19 pandemic. Protests resumed again on 18 July with a large demonstration organized under the Free Youth umbrella at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok. Three demands were presented to the Government of Thailand: the dissolution of parliament, ending intimidation of the people, and the drafting of a new constitution. The July protests were triggered by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and enforcement of the lockdown Emergency Decree and spread nationwide.
On 3 August, two student groups publicly raised demands to reform the monarchy, breaking a long taboo of publicly criticizing the monarchy. A week later, ten demands for monarchy reform were declared. A 19 September rally saw 20,000–100,000 protesters and has been described as an open challenge to King Vajiralongkorn. A government decision to delay voting on a constitutional amendment in late September fueled nearly unprecedented[25] public republican sentiment. Following mass protests on 14 October, a "severe" state of emergency was declared in Bangkok the next day, citing the alleged blocking of a royal motorcade. Emergency powers were extended to the authorities on top of those already given by the Emergency Decree since March. Protests continued despite the ban, prompting a crackdown by police on 16 October using water cannon. The severe emergency measures were lifted on 22 October.
Government responses have included filing criminal charges using the Emergency Decree; arbitrary detention and police intimidation; delaying tactics; the deployment of military information warfare units; media censorship; the mobilization of pro-government and royalist groups; which have accused the protesters of receiving support from foreign governments or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as part of a global conspiracy against Thailand; and the deployment of thousands of police at protests. The government has ordered university chancellors to prevent students from demanding monarchy reform and to identify student protest leaders. Protests in October, when the King returned to the country from Germany,[26] have resulted in the deployment of the military, riot police, and mass arrests.
Background
Direct causes
Over the previous 90 years in Thailand, elected governments have frequently been overthrown by military coups.[27] As head of the Royal Thai Army, Prayut Chan-o-cha instigated the 2014 Thai coup d'état and led the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the military junta which came to power following the coup. Prayuth was eventually appointed Prime Minister, and the NCPO ruled the country for five years, during which political and civil rights were restricted, and economic inequality widened.[28][29] A disputed referendum, widely called unfree and unfair,[30] was held in 2016 to approve a new military-drafted constitution. Analysts have described the new constitution as favouring the military and disadvantaging large political parties.[31] It includes a junta-appointed Senate, empowered to vote for the Prime Minister for five years, allowing the military to select two prime ministers in the future,[32] and binds future governments to a 20-year national strategy 'road map' laid down the NCPO, effectively locking the country into the period of military-guided democracy with a much reduced role for politicians at both national and local levels.[33]
The 2019 Thai general election, which was considered "partly free and not fair" and as electoral authoritarianism, and has been described as a 'political ritual',[32] nominally brought an end to the NCPO, but the political system continued in the form of a Myanmar-style civil-military party, Palang Pracharat Party, which essentially continues the NCPO's policies and orders as a form of competitive authoritarianism.[32] The coalition government is composed of pro-Prayut camps and smaller parties who benefited from multiple technical interpretations of the election law by a military-controlled Election Commission, including a 44-day hiatus while the election laws were reinterpreted to pave way for a coalition with the state military party at the helm.[34][35][36] Via NCPO mechanisms, Prayut has appointed allies to the Senate, Constitutional Court, various Constitutional organizations, including the Election Commission, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission[32] as well as officials at the local government level. Substantively amending the Constitution is almost impossible as it would require both Senate support and a referendum.[37] Numerous generals, as well as people with historical links to organized crime (e.g., Thammanat Prompao[38]) hold key ministerial positions in Second Prayut Cabinet.[32][39][40]
During the 2019 general election, the Future Forward Party (FFP) was received well by progressives and youths, who viewed it as an alternative to traditional political parties and as against the NCPO,[41] revealing a socio-political cleavage along generational lines,[32] i.e., between Thai youth and the ruling Thai gerontocracy. The party won the third-largest share of parliamentary seats.[42] After eleven months of the coalition, an opposition FFP became short-lived when it was dissolved by the Constitutional Court, as the House about to debate on motion of no confidence.[43] Former FFP members stressed the regime's corruption and were active in exposing the junta's involvement in the 1MDB scandal.[1]
Underlying causes
Further sources of grievance, many of which the FFP championed, include abortion rights; authoritarianism in Thai schools (including hazing); education reform; labour rights (trade unionism); military reform (e.g., ending conscription and reducing the defense budget, including the purchase of submarines[44]), monopolies (e.g., alcohol), and women's rights.[45]
Since assuming the throne from his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Vajiralongkorn has enjoyed an enormous increase in personal wealth and power of approximately US$40 billion,[46] making him one of the world's richest monarchs.[47] Most of the time he lives in Germany,[46] where he has spent a significant amount of his adulthood.[48] He has intervened publicly in Thai political affairs. The King voiced his opinion on the Constitution in 2017, leading to an amendment on the power of the monarchy in the version that had already been accepted in the 2016 constitutional referendum.[48] In 2018, he was granted personal ownership of royal assets from the Crown Property Bureau, which was formerly legally considered publicly owned.[46] He has also consolidated the Privy Council, Office of the Royal Household and Royal Security Office into a single personal office;[47] in 2020, the government, seemingly acting in his name, transferred two army units to his personal command.[49] The Royal Office's budget for 2020 was US$290 million, more than double its budget from 2018.[46]
On the eve of the 2019 election, Vajiralongkorn issued a royal announcement urging people to vote for "good people" (Thai: คนดี; RTGS: khon di; i.e., the junta parties), which was re-broadcast the following morning, in an "unprecedented intervention by the palace".[50]:97 This sparked a massive, immediate, negative reaction on Twitter by Thai youth, using the hashtag "We are grown-ups and can choose for ourselves" (Thai: โตแล้วเลือกเองได้; RTGS: to laeo lueak eng dai).[51][50] Following the election, on 19 July 2019, when the new cabinet was sworn in, they pledged their allegiance to the monarchy, but left out an oath to the constitution, and despite protests, did not correct what was widely seen as a serious breach of the traditional oath of office and a tacit admission of the increasingly absolutist nature of the Thai monarchy.[39] Subsequently, in a ceremony on 27 August, each minister was presented with a framed message of support from the King.[39] He has also been accused of rewriting history as monuments associated with Khana Ratsadon and the Siamese revolution of 1932 were demolished.[39]
The implementation of lèse majesté law has been controversial since the previous reign. The number of cases peaked to an unprecedented scale after 2014 coup.[52] Critics viewed it as a political weapon to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of speech. Even though there have been no new cases since 2018, as Prayut said was the wish of the King, other security laws had been invoked in its place, such as the sedition law, the Computer Crime Act, or the offense of being a member of an organized crime group (อั้งยี่), all of which incur comparably severe punishment. In June 2020, the forced disappearance of Wanchalearm Satsaksit, assumed to be related to accusations of lèse majesté, gained online attention and sympathy.[53] In July 2020, Tiwagorn Withiton, who wore a shirt with the slogan "I lost faith in the monarchy", was subjected to political psychiatry.[54]
Several historical events are seen as intrinsically fuelling the protests, including the 1932 revolution, together with the 6 October 1976 Thammasat University massacre and the 2010 Thai military crackdown and the related issue of impunity for the latter two events.[55]
Concurrent developments
The government invoked the Emergency Decree on 26 March and issued a COVID-19 related curfew on 3 April in order to limit the spread of the virus.[56][57] The government additionally issued a travel ban for all foreigners entering Thailand. International rights groups have criticized the emergency decree being employed to suppress free speech.[58] Even though the country has a relatively successful response to date, contributed by its robust public health infrastructure,[59][60] the state of emergency and the government's severe economic restriction have not been cancelled.[61] The country's significant tourism industry has been heavily affected. The International Monetary Fund has predicted Thailand's GDP to shrink by 6.7 percent in 2020.[62] The government borrowed and announced a 1.9 trillion-baht (US$60 billion) stimulus package, though few people have actually received it.[63]
Shortly before the second wave protests, on 15 July, netizens were infuriated by privileged treatment to "VIP guests" who were later revealed to be positive for the coronavirus,[64] as well as its failure to boost the heavily effected tourism industry.[65][66] On the same day, Prayut Chan-o-cha made a visit to Rayong Province. Two protesters held signs calling for his resignation prior to the arrival; both were immediately arrested and reportedly beaten by the police, infuriating many Twitter users.[67] In October, foreign tourists entered Thailand for the first time in seven months.[68]
Other related developments include the suicide of a senior judge over his frustration due to pressure on his verdicts in favour of military officers, surgical mask profiteering by Thammanat Prompao, delayed COVID-19 welfare money transfers, the government's approval of the Civil Partnership bill (which does not recognize equal status of same-sex couples), and the case against Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya.[45]
First wave (February)
The first wave protests were triggered by the Constitution Court decision to disband the Future Forward Party, an opposition party popular amongst youths, on 23 February 2020.[69] Demonstrations since erupted in various high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. These student-organised protests also came with various hashtags unique to their institutions. The firsts began at Thammasat University, Chulalongkorn University, Ramkhamhaeng University, Kasetsart University, Srinakharinwirot University and Prince of Songkhla University on 24 February. Various high school students also organised protests at Triam Udom Suksa School and Suksanari School . The protests, however, were limited to individual institutions.[70][71] A Thai historian scholar noted that street protests have never created political changes if the military sided with the government.[1] The protests, which was organized exclusively on the academia grounds, were halted in late February due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all universities, colleges, and schools shut down.[1]
Hashtags
The use of online media, such as TikTok and Twitter, including various hashtags, has characterized the protests.[72] Hashtags have emerged for protests at each institution. For example:
- Protests at Chulalongkorn University used #เสาหลักจะไม่หักอีกต่อไป (lit. The pillar will not be broken longer; an analogy to the university's tagline as “the pillar of the land.”)
- Protests at Triam Udom Suksa School used #เกียมอุดมไม่ก้มหัวให้เผด็จการ (lit. Triam Udom doesn't bow to dictatorship)
- Protests at Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) used #มศว คนรุ่นเปลี่ยน (lit. SWU generation of change)
Some have mentioned their distaste of the pro-military conservatives (dubbed Salim — สลิ่ม; the word was derived from Thai dessert sarim) such as[71]
- Protests at Kasetsart University (KU) used #KUไม่ใช่ขนมหวานราดกะทิ (KU is not coconut milk dessert [referring to sarim.])
- Protests at Khon Kaen University (KKU) used #KKUขอโทษที่ช้าโดนสลิ่มลบโพสต์ (KKU is sorry for being late; [our] posts were deleted by salims)
- Protests at Mahidol University (located in Salaya) used #ศาลายางดกินของหวานหลายสี (Salaya stops eating multi-coloured dessert [referring to sarim.])
- Protests at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (Phra chom klao) used #พระจอมเกล้าชอบกินเหล้าไม่ชอบกินสลิ่ม (Phra chom klao loves eating [drinking] liquors but not salim)
Second wave (July–present)
Protests under Three Demands
On 18 July, Thailand saw the largest street demonstration since the 2014 Thai coup d'état[73] at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok with around 2,500 protesters. The protesters, organised under the name Free Youth (Thai: เยาวชนปลดแอก; RTGS: yaowachon plot aek), announced the three core demands,[74] which include: dissolution of the House, ending intimidation of the people and drafting a new constitution. A Free Youth leader stated that they do not aim to overthrow the monarchy.[75] The gathering was planned to last overnight, but it was cancelled by midnight for security reasons.
After 18 July, the protests soon spread across the country. The first were in Chiang Mai province and Ubon Ratchathani Province on 19 July.[76] By 23 July, demonstrations had been organised in more than 20 provinces.[77] Some major demonstrations include one in Maha Sarakham Province on 23 July, of which its hashtag #IsanSibothon quickly trended first on Twitter in Thailand,[78] and one in Nakhon Ratchasima Province on 24 July saw one of the largest crowds amongst them.[79]
On 25 July, a LGBT activist group Seri Thoey (lit. Free Thoey; parody to the Seri Thai – Free Thai Movement), demonstrated at the Democracy Monument calling for legalisation of same-sex marriage in addition to the three demands.[80]
On 26 July, an event called “Let’s run, Hamtaro” was organised at the Democracy Monument. Having begun in a protest at Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok, but later spread on Twitter, and eventually gathered around 3,000 people.[81]
Further demands of monarchy reform and subsequent protests
- Revoke the King's immunity against lawsuits.
- Revoke lèse majesté law, give amnesty to every persecuted individual.
- Separate the King's personal and royal assets.
- Reduce the budget allocated to the monarchy.
- Abolish the Royal Offices and unnecessary units e.g. Privy Council.
- Open assets of the monarchy to audit.
- Cease the King's power to give public political comments.
- Cease propaganda around the King.
- Investigate the murders of commentators or critics of the monarchy.
- Forbid the King to endorse future coups.
On 3 August, a Harry Potter-themed demonstration was held, which 200 people joined, featured a public speech by Anon Nampa which openly criticised the monarchy, and demanded amendment of increasing royal prerogative and lèse majesté law.[83] Paul Chambers, Southeast Asian politics scholar, noted, "Such open criticism of Thailand’s monarch by non-elites at a public place within Thailand with the police simply standing by is the first of its kind in Thai history."[84] The police arrested Anon and another Free Youth leader on 8 August.
On 10 August, there was a rally at Thammasat University, Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani Province named "ธรรมศาสตร์จะไม่ทน." (lit. Thammasat will not tolerate.)[85] Totaling about 3,000 people, it employed the slogan "We don't want reforms; we want revolution."[86] Among the events was the declaration of ten demands to reform the monarchy.[87][88] According to AP, the protesters at the site had mixed reaction to the demands.[89][86][dead link]
On 14 August, BBC Thai reported that there had been protests associated with Free Youth in 49 provinces, while in 11 provinces saw activism associated with pro-establishment groups.[90] In the same day, student activist Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak was arrested, leading to calls from Human Rights Watch to immediately release him and drop all charges against all activists.[91]
On 16 August, a large gathering which around 20,000–25,000 people joined[92] was held at the Democracy Monument and reiterated calls for a revised constitution and reforms to the monarchy.[93]
On 20 August, two large-scale student protests of approximately 1,000 people each were held in Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen. Activists announced a “major rally” planned on 19 September 2020, at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus.[94][95][96]
Formal submission of demands and responses
On 26 August, student groups presented submissions, including the 10 demands, to the House of Representatives.[97] Subsequently, the opposition and the coalition submitted constitutional amendment motions, including to amend the clause governing the constitution amendment procedure.[98][99]
On 27–28 August, approximately 15,000 people gathered at 14 October Memorial for the first overnight protest, organized by the 'We are Friends' group.[100] On 28 August, as 15 anti-government activists from the 18 July rally arrived to face charges.[101]
On 5 September, approximately 300 members of the Bad Student group protested at the Ministry of Education for their demands on reform of the educational system.[102] A few days later, a debate was held between the Bad Student group and Education Minister.[103]
In a rally described as one of the largest protests in years,[104] on 19 September, protesters gathered at Thammasat University, then moved to Sanam Luang in the afternoon and stayed overnight there, with attendance estimated at anywhere between 20,000 and 100,000,[105][106][107] On 20 September, the protesters installed a plaque symbolizing the now-missing Khana Ratsadon plaque at Sanam Luang.[108][109] The protesters submitted their demands to the President of the Privy Council via the chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau before dispersing.[110] There were no reports of violence; protest leader Parit Chiwarak called for a general strike on 14 October to commemorate the 1973 Thai popular uprising.[110] The plaque was removed less than 24 hours after it was installed;[111] however, it has since proliferated as an online meme.[112] Some international media described the rally as an open challenge to Vajiralongkorn's rule.[113]
On 24 September, Parliament voted to set up a study committee, effectively delaying a scheduled vote on constitutional amendment by at least a month. Discontent prompted #RepublicofThailand to trend first in the country's Twitter, with more than 700,000 retweets, the first mass public expression of republican sentiment in the country.[114][115]
On 2 October, the Bad Student high school protest group organized protests at Bangkok high schools in Bangkok to protest against the abuse and mistreatment of school students, then assembled at the Ministry of Education to again call for the resignation of the Education Minister.[116]
Strengthened emergency powers
After no major events for nearly a month, on 13 October, the day before a planned demonstration date, a small group of protesters gathered at Ratchadamnoen Avenue near Democracy Monument, to protest the passing of the king's motorcade.[117] Vajiralongkorn, who rarely returns to Thailand,[118] was visiting to honor the fourth anniversary of his father's death.[26] Twenty-one protesters were detained,[119] and while the royal motorcade passed, others raised the three-finger Hunger Games salute, a notable incident of open dissent to the Thai monarchy. A hashtag insulting the king trended on Twitter.[120] The planned protest rally on 14 October began at Democracy Monument, with the objective of moving to Government House to demand the resignation of Prayut.[121] Both the United States Embassy and the United Nations in Bangkok warned their staff of an elevated risk, the latter due to the arrest of the 21 protesters the previous day.[119] Authorities ordered "counter-protesters" to be trucked in using municipal vehicles,[122] some of whom subsequently joined the protests.[123] Right-wing groups, including the Thai Pakdee (Loyal Thais) and the Rubbish Collection Organization, launched counter-protests[124][125][126] Later in the day, tens of thousands of protesters,[127] some under the umbrella of "Khana Ratsadorn 2563" (a reference to the historical People's Party), in a largely peaceful rally, marked by some violent assaults on the protesters by pro-royalists,[42] marched to Government House and set up camps around it.[128] The protest coincided with a planned royal progression around the city, which the protesters stated they would not impede and did not.[42] Typically, roads on the royal motorcoade's route are closed in advance by police.[129] In this instance, however, the motorcade made no formal announcement, and the previously announced route was via another avenue.[130] Protesters flashed the three-figner salute while chanting "Our taxes" and "Nation, Religion, People".[129] Meanwhile, Prayut ordered legal actions against the protesters for allegedly blocking the motorcade,[130] which included Queen Suthida and the heir-apparent Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.[118] According to Reuters, the demonstrators got close to the car but were "always behind police and none appeared to be trying to reach it".[129] Anon accused the authorities of intentionally arranging the motorcade through the rally site. He gave an estimate of 200,000 participants before midnight.[131]
On 15 October, the authorities declared a "severe" state of emergency in Bangkok from 04:00 local time and banned gatherings of five or more people.[132][133] The protesters, most of whom were women, including schoolgirls protesting for social change and against gender inequality and patriarchy,[134] were cleared using riot police.[132] In the process, police detained 20 demonstrators, among them three protest leaders, and imposed a ban on sensitive media stories.[135] The government indicated it would set up a state-of-emergency command center. During the day, troops were dispatched to guard Government House and Parliament,[136] raising alarm from an opposition member of parliament (MP) of resembling pre-2014 coup days.[137] Opposition parties demanded the revoking of the Emergency Decree and an extraordinary session of Parliament.[138] Two activists were arrested on the charge of attempting an “act of violence against the queen’s liberty”, an arcane law which incurs a possible life sentence, but eyewitnesses confirmed that they only shouted at the motorcade.[118][139] Three senior policemen were transferred and investigated for the motorcade incident.[140] A smaller planned occupation[141] at 4pm at the Ratchaprasong intersection went ahead, involving at least 13,500 participants.[142] Twenty more protesters were arrested,[143] but the movement vowed to continue protesting with flash protest tactics.[144] A legal aid group reported at least 51 people were arrested between 13 and 15 October.[20]
On 16 October, the Thai cabinet confirmed a month-long state of emergency, reserving the right to impose a curfew and martial law.[145] Prayut's remark of the protesters "don’t be careless, because people can die today, or tomorrow [...] Do not trifle with the powerful Grim Reaper," paraphrasing Buddha's teaching, was viewed by protesters as threatening the use of deadly force and as the actions of "a tyrant".[146] Around 2,000 unarmed protesters, mostly teenagers, gathered at Pathum Wan Intersection, and two hours later were dispersed by the police. High-pressure water cannons with chemical-filled water and tear gas were used.[147][148] The leader of the opposition Move Forward Party unsuccessfully asked police to evacuate the injured. The Commander of the Metropolitan Police reported at least 100 people were arrested.[21] Protesters vowed to continue.[142] Within hours of the crackdown, students from many universities nationwide held flash protests in response.[149][150][151] Some right-wing personalities used an AFP video clip which showed a police officer in full riot gear being hit with pincers to question whether the protesters were unarmed.[152][153] The blue colour dye in the water—speculated to be methylene blue, Azure A, or Thionine[154]—was used to mark participants for potential arrest later.[155] Protesters complained that the water contained a skin and eye irritant.[155] The police could not confirm the exact type of chemicals deployed and were criticized for not appearing more curious about the chemicals they had purchased.[156] The police said the chemicals were not dangerous and that they were following "international standards" for crowd control;[155][157] however, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights guidance states water cannon should be used only against violent protests.[158]
Protests grew bigger afterwards as the leaders adjusted and held demonstrations at multiple locations on short notice, giving police less opportunity to coordinate a response.[27] On 17 October, an estimated 23,000 participants held rallies mainly at three different sites in Bangkok and several smaller sites, despite the government-ordered shutdown of the MRT and BTS rapid transit systems, which affected hundreds of thousands of commuters.[159] Protests were also held in at least six other provinces. Two demonstrators who were charged with attempting "violence against the queen’s liberty" were granted bail.[160] On 18 October, according to police figures, approximately 4,000 protesters demonstrated at Victory Monument, with over 2,000 attending rallies at two Bangkok intersections; protests continued in several provinces.[161] On 19 October, crowds gathered at three locations in the northern suburbs of Bangkok, including outside Bangkok Remand Prison, where many activists arrested for involvement in the protest were detained. Two demands were also presented to the government, asking for the release of activists without persecution and for the emergency decree to be revoked within 24 hours.[162] On 20 October, after the government threatened to shut down Facebook pages and Telegram, the leading group of the protesters, the Free Youth, announced a 'big surprise' for 6pm,[163] which was revealed to be that protesters would take a break.[164]
External videos | |
---|---|
Assault of student protesters at Ramkhamhaeng University 21 October 2020, Twitter video |
On 21 October, a pro-government Facebook page posted pictures of a parade of bureaucrats expressing allegiance to the King.[165] In a televised evening speech on 21 October, Prayut suggested that both sides de-escalate and reconcile their differences through the parliamentary process. He offered to promptly lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok if there was no further violence[27][166] and asked the protesters to tone down the level of their rhetoric.[166] After gathering earlier in the day at Victory Monument, thousands marched the 4 km (2 mi) to Government House and delivered a resignation letter for Prayut to sign,[27] pledging to back off if he resigned within three days and dismissed all legal action against the protest leaders.[166] On the same day, the protesters and a group of royalist counter-protesters wearing yellow shirts clashed at Ramkhamhaeng University, when the latter crossed the police line and attacked the former,[167] resulting in one injured student and a prosecution report.[11] The following day, Prayut revoked the severe emergency declaration, on the grounds that the severity of the situation had lessened.[168][169]
Financing
The protests are financed by private donations,[170][171] mainly from actress Intira Charoenpura[172][173] and the K-pop fandom in Thailand[174][175] — the latter alone donated over ฿3,600,000 (around US$115,399) on 18 October 2020.[176] There have been attempts to prosecute the donors.[177] A conspiracy theory accusing foreigners, including the United States government and American organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Netflix, of funding the protests has been voiced by the royalist group Thailand Vision and campaigners at pro-government rallies, leading the United States embassy in Bangkok to issue a formal statement of denial.[178]
Reactions
State response and arrests
External videos | |
---|---|
Arrest of student leader Parit Chiwarak on 14 August (3:09, in Thai), YouTube video. | |
Arrest of student leader Pai Daodin on 13 October (0:39), Youtube video. |
An Isaan Record analysis found that the government response has included force and intimidation, arbitrary detention, arrests and changes, disinformation, the deployment of military Information and Operations units, media censorship, delaying tactics, obfuscation, support for pro-government groups, gaslighting, and negotiation,[179] as well as mobile jamming devices.[180] The Government Public Relations Department of Thailand released two propaganda YouTube videos attacking the protesters.[181]
Prayut blamed the protesters for further damaging the country's economy.[182] Key military personnel, such as General Apirat Kongsompong, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, condemned the protesters, even accusing them of lése majesté,[183] while the new Army commander Narongpan Jittkaewtae told the protesters to "reform yourselves first."[184] Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a notable politician from a junior coalition partner, expressed concern about implications for COVID-19 spread whilst signaling his own neutrality.[185]
The authorities have intimidated protesters via the state academic system. The Thai authorities, referencing the Thammasat University Massacre and 1992 protests, ordered universities to prevent students from demanding monarchy reform and to compile lists of protest leaders.[186] Some universities and schools responded by forbidding their staff and students to join the protests and by banning gatherings on their grounds, claiming COVID-19 concerns, while police issued warning letters.[187] On 18 August, a Ministry of Education department allowed students to hold rallies in state schools.[188] However, in late August, student groups reported that at least 109 schools had suppressed or intimidated political expression.[189]
As of October 2020, at least 167 people were arrested, with charges including sedition;[c] five were arrested without charges.[190] In early August, watchdog organization iLaw reported at least 78 incidents of intimidation of protest sympathizers.[90] In early September, the police summonsed the first schoolchild protester for violating the security laws.[191] At least 63 protesters have been charged under the controversial and repeatedly extended COVID-19 emergency decree, in 17 cases, despite the government claiming it would not be employed in this way.[192]
The state has attempted to severely restrict online freedom of speech. On 24 August, in response to a Thai government order, Facebook blocked access in Thailand to the million-member main Facebook page critical of the monarchy, Royalist Marketplace.[193] Facebook is challenging the order in the courts.[194] The authorities attempted to block more than 2,200 websites ahead of the 19 September rally.[195] Following the rally, a minister filed a complaint to prosecute Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for allowing anti-government content, the first time the Computer Crimes Act has been used against foreign service providers.[196] A Thai media provider was reported to be censoring a foreign news network reporting the protests.[197]
A severe state of emergency was declared in Bangkok during 15–22 October,[198] during which the police moved to ban or block anti-government or independent media, together with the Free Youth Facebook page,[199] and seized books criticizing the monarchy.[200] Ministry of Digital Economy and Society stated it intended to prosecute internet service providers and online platforms which allows prohibited content, and reported about 320,000 illegal messages.[201] In response, several Thai press associations issued a joint statement opposing suppression of the media.[202] The authorities also required foreign diplomats to obtain advance permission to observe protests.[203] An extraordinary session was to held on 26–27 October to resolve the political situation.[204]
The King's position
The King and the palace initially did not express any public opinion about the protests. In August, the Asia Times quoted a government official stating that the King was not bothered by the 'children's' protests,[205] but an Al Jazeera article reported that the Thai monarchy has asked Thai media to censor mention of the ten demands.[206]
On 16 October, a speech by Vajiralongkorn the day before was made public, stating: "Now it is understood that the country needs people who love the country and love the monarchy".[118] On 24 October, a video of the King praising former PDRC leader and ex-monk Buddha Issara and another counter-protester who raised a picture of late king Bhumibol among the protesters was posted in a royalist Facebook group;[207] royalists embraced it, while the protesters saw the comment as his clear position, prompting hashtag #23ตุลาตาสว่าง (23Oct Eyes Opened) to trend on the country's twitter.[208]
Support
In August, a Move Forward Party MP stated that some references to the monarchy in the protests were inconvenient truths that required attention. He received stark responses from Manager Online and General Apirat Kongsompong, who insisted that some protesters intended to overthrow the monarchy, or had fallen victim to third-party manipulators.[209] In early September, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Sompong Amornwiwat, stated a motion from the opposition coalition to amend Article 256 was aligned with the demands of the protesters.[210]
Despite threats to their careers,[211] many Thai celebrities have publicly expressed support for the protesters.[212][213][214][215] A group of 147 university faculty members has issued a statement saying the protesters' demand for monarchical reform did not violate the law. The Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights, another group of 358 scholars, has also expressed full support for the protesters.[92] A physician was sacked for signing petition in support of the movement.[216]
In August, UNICEF issued a statement invoking the Convention on the Rights of the Child that called for schools and learning institutions to be safe havens and forums for children's freedom of expression.[217][218] Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Amnesty International recognized the peaceful nature of the rallies, and condemned police crackdowns.[219][220] The Human Rights Watch Asia director stated, "Criminalizing peaceful protests and calls for political reform is a hallmark of authoritarian rule" and called for governments and the United Nations to condemn the repression of the protests and urge the release of protesters.[142] Some international groups and individuals expressed their support for the movements, include Tuen Mun Community Network[221] and Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong.[222] Civil society groups in South Korea urged their government to stop exporting water cannon to Thailand.[223]
On 22 October, UN human rights experts, including Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, issued a statement urging the government to guarantee the fundamental rights of free speech and peaceful assembly and to remove the ban on peaceful protests.[224]
Opposition
State-sponsored[225] organized opposition to the protests emerged in August and included the accusation of a global conspiracy being funded or masterminded by a foreign government or NGOs. On 10 August, the Thai Move Institute released a diagram of an alleged 'people's revolution network' linking student protests to former Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.[226][227] In the same month, a pro-government Facebook page, 'Thailand Vision', asserted the existence of a 'global conspiracy' to overthrow the Thai monarchy.[228] The police and right-wing group also targeted Thanatorn and his allies for being accused of masterminding the protests.[229][230]
Rightist media and organizations quickly attacked the August demands for monarchy reform, stating that the call to reform the monarchy was an act of evil, causing disunity and undermining the monarchy, and accusing Pheu Thai and the former Future Forward Party of manipulating protesters.[231] Most politicians expressed a negative reaction to the demands, including Sudarat Keyuraphan, an influential Pheu Thai politician.[232] On social media platforms, user accounts, including ones coordinated by the ultra-royalist Rubbish Collection Organization,[233] which has been characterized as fascist, attacked protesters,[e] some going so far as to urging child rape.[237] In mid-September, Thailand's Constitutional Court accepted a complaint of treason against the 10 Demands protest leaders.[238][239] Right-wing groups and media quickly attacked the protesters from the royal motorcade incident on 14 October.[240][241]
At least 103 cases of harassment of students have been reported,[242] and protesting tactics have been condemned; some considered a protester's act of hurling paint at police officers to be violent.[243][244] Opponents also find vulgar language used by protest leaders unacceptable.[245]
Royalist and pro-government media often run stories which portrayed counter-protesters as victims, or the protesters started agitating for violence.[246][247]
Polls
A national Suan Dusit poll from 16 to 21 August of 197,029 people found that 59.1% stated the students were making demands as permitted in a democracy, 62.8% agreed with the demand for reform of the Constitution and 53.9% agreed that the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should "resign or dissolve parliament", while 59.5% agreed that the government should "stop intimidating" people. Overall support for the protests stood at 53.7%, with 41.2% opposed.[248]
Analysis
Protestor tactics and demands
Some commentators say demands for monarchy reform before have only been made by fringe groups, yet there is consensus that this protest is the first time such demands have been discussed publicly. The calls may drive away some sympathisers, but if the government cracks down on the protests as a consequence, it could bring more support to the movement.[249] In mid-August, Atith Keating wrote that student protests lack a coherent strategy; they do not have plans beyond day-to-day demonstrations. This may be caused by the lack of a centralised structure, as in the peak of student movements in the 1970s.[250] Student protesters are seen as being more creative, networked, and technologically savvy than the government and as having time on their side, as well as being the targets of disproportionate persecution that could sway public opinion, with at least a chance of causing the government to collapse provided the anti-monarchy element does not provoke a backlash.[251] One Bangkok Post columnist wrote that republican sentiment has never been stronger in Thailand,[252] while another opined that the 19 September protest was a critical juncture for the movement, with the protesters needing to broaden their agenda again to wider societal reforms if it were to succeed.[107] A political scientist professor opined that an absence of protest leaders increased the risk of the movement getting out of control and could further no strategic initiatives.[253]
After the police crackdown on 16 October, hashtag #WhatsHappeningInThailand was increasingly used, with content published in English, Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean, across various social media platforms, to gain global attention to the situation in the country.[254]
Possibility of a coup
By September, protester pressure meant speculation about the possibility of a Thai military coup against Prayut increased, as his administration began to be viewed as increasingly untenable,[255] and rumours became rife when a tank was spotted in the streets; the military stated, as is usual on such occasions, that this was part of a previously scheduled military exercise.[256] However, this does not guarantee a more receptive audience to the protesters' demands as a palace-backed military faction is in ascendance.[257] BBC correspondent Jonathan Head wrote that the authorities could end their tolerance of the protests since the King had returned to Thailand and might actively pursue those who they believed to fund the protesters.[258]
Calls for government resignation
Rumours that Prayut would resign gathered pace in mid-October.[259] The Severe State of Emergency led to a 17 October Khaosod English editorial calling for Prayut to resign on the basis he had lost all legitimacy. The editorial's analysis noted that police had attacked and dispersed protesters outside Government House on 15 October, while the protesters were dispersing as requested by protest leaders, and that any public challenges against Prayut's government were now banned and incurred up to two years in prison. It further noted that the authorities had threatened mass arrests,[260] thereby indicating the government could no longer distinguish between protesters and criminals, and that the deployment of soldiers at Parliament and suspension of all sessions mentioning politics had effectively terminated legislative power. It further noted up to 101 law professors and political scientists had issued an open letter questioning the legality of the Severe State of Emergency due to the lack of a national security threat such as terrorism or widespread violence. The editorial criticized the level of violence in the police dispersal of peaceful demonstrators on 16 October and mass arrests and the arrest of an accredited reporter for its effect on media freedom.[261]
On 19 October, the Bangkok Post editorial called for Prayut to "listen to the young" in order to defuse the increasing political tension to prevent it escalating into violence that could severely destabilize the entire country and urged him to address reform of the constitution and of the senate.[262]
See also
Explanatory notes
- ^ Later found to be associated with a minor junior coalition partner Action Coalition for Thailand.
- ^ Compiled from multiple sources:[8][9][10][11]
- ^ a b Compiled from multiple sources:[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]
- ^ Compiled from multiple sources:[22][23]
- ^ See its characterisation in: [234][235][236]
References
- ^ a b c d "แฟลชม็อบนักเรียน-นักศึกษา ประกายไฟในกระทะ หรือ เพลิงลามทุ่ง" [Student flash mobs: sparks in pan or spreading fire?]. BBC Thai (in Thai). 28 February 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Banned Thai opposition party says junta helped 1MDB cover-up". Reuters. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ "Thailand's unprecedented revolt pits the people against the King". CNN. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ a b "คุม 'ทนายอานนท์ – ไมค์' ส่งศาลแล้วทั้งคู่ ทามกลางมวลชนนับร้อย". Bangkok Biznews/. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "ผู้สนับสนุนเรียกร้อง ตร. ปล่อยตัว "เพนกวิน" พริษฐ์ ชิวารักษ์". BBC News ไทย (in Thai). Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Arrests heighten rally concerns". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "The student daring to challenge Thailand's monarchy". BBC News. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ "สภาวุ่น! ม็อบปิดทางออกรัฐสภา-บุกปีนรั้วเจ็บ 1 คน". ไทยพีบีเอส. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- ^ ข่าวสด https://www.khaosod.co.th/politics/news_5109779. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
{{cite news}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ "คณะราษฎรเดินหน้าชุมนุมต่อวันที่ 4-สรุปบาดเจ็บ 7 คน". Thai PBS. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ a b "เครือข่ายรามคำแหงฯ เข้าแจ้งความกลุ่มเสื้อเหลืองทำร้ายร่างกาย". Manager Online (in Thai). 21 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ "ออกหมายจับแกนนำชุมนุมต่อต้านรัฐบาล-ปราศรัยวิจารณ์สถาบันกษัตริย์". BBC News ไทย (in Thai). Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "จับแล้ว! 'ภาณุพงศ์ จาดนอก' กำลังถูกนำตัวไป สน.สำราญราษฎร์". Bangkok Biznews/. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ English, Khaosod (10 August 2020). "Anti-Govt Protesters Detained, Given 'Attitude Adjustment' in Jungle". Khaosod English. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Thai police arrest another leader of student protests". Reuters. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ "โดนแล้ว! ตำรวจบุกรวบ 'เพนกวิน' หลังถูกแจ้งจับ ผิดมาตรา116". Thai Post (in Thai). Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "รวบ 'บารมี ชัยรัตน์' คดีชุมนุมเยาวชนปลดแอก 18 ก.ค." VoiceTV (in Thai). Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ "หยุดไม่อยู่ แฟลชม็อบทุกวัน ตร.จับ 9 แกนปลดแอกส่งฝากขัง-ศาลให้ประกัน ตั้งเงื่อนไขห้ามผิดซ้ำ". มติชนออนไลน์. 21 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ ""ทัตเทพ-ภานุมาศ" ได้รับการปล่อยตัวแล้ว นักวิชาการ-ส.ส. ช่วยประกัน". BBC ไทย (in Thai). Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Prayut Refuses To Resign, Police Crack Down on Protesters". Khaosod English. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ a b "พรรคก้าวไกล เจรจา ผบช.น. เข้าพื้นที่ชุมนุม พาคนเจ็บออกจากม็อบ". ประชาชาติธุรกิจ (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "Emergency Decree used against anti-government protesters despite authorities' claim, says TLHR". Prachatai English. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ admin010 (27 August 2020). "เปิดสถิติคดีพ.ร.ก.ฉุกเฉินฯ อย่างน้อย 17 คดี 63 ราย แม้รัฐบาลอ้างไม่ใช้กับการชุมนุม". ศูนย์ทนายความเพื่อสิทธิมนุษยชน (THAI LAWYERS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS) (in Thai). Retrieved 31 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Explainer: What's behind Thailand's protests?". Reuters. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ Jory, Patrick (31 December 2019). "Chapter Five. Republicanism in Thai History". In Peleggi, Maurizio (ed.). A Sarong for Clio. Cornell University Press. pp. 97–118. doi:10.7591/9781501725937-007. ISBN 978-1-5017-2593-7.
- ^ a b Bengali, Shashank; Kirschbaum, Erik (16 October 2020). "A royal bubble bursts: Thailand's king faces trouble on two continents". Los Angeles Times.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d Paddock, Richard C.; Suhartono, Muktita (21 October 2020). "Thailand's Leader Offers End to Crackdown on Pro-Democracy Protesters". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ Montesano, Michael John, III, 1961– editor. Chong, Terence, editor. Heng, Mark, editor. (7 January 2019). After the coup : the National Council for Peace and Order era and the future of Thailand. ISBN 978-981-4818-98-8. OCLC 1082521938.
{{cite book}}
:|last=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Kongkirati, Prajak; Kanchoochat, Veerayooth (2018). "The Prayuth Regime: Embedded Military and Hierarchical Capitalism in Thailand". TRaNS: Trans -Regional and -National Studies of Southeast Asia. 6 (2): 279–305. doi:10.1017/trn.2018.4. ISSN 2051-364X.
- ^ McCargo, Duncan; T Alexander, Saowanee; Desatova, Petra (31 December 2016). "Ordering Peace: Thailand's 2016 Constitutional Referendum". Contemporary Southeast Asia. 39 (1): 65–95. doi:10.1355/cs39-1b. ISSN 0129-797X.
- ^ "Thailand's King Seeks to Bring Back Absolute Monarchy". The Economist. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f Sawasdee, Siripan Nogsuan (12 December 2019). "Electoral integrity and the repercussions of institutional manipulations: The 2019 general election in Thailand". Asian Journal of Comparative Politics. 5 (1): 52–68. doi:10.1177/2057891119892321. ISSN 2057-8911. S2CID 213208424.
- ^ Montesano, Michael J. (2019). "The Place of the Provinces in Thailand's Twenty-Year National Strategy: Toward Community Democracy in a Commercial Nation?" (PDF). ISEAS Perspective. 2019 (60): 1–11.
- ^ "EC to push ahead with formula". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "EC seat move is hijacking". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Ricks, Jacob I. (1 September 2019). "Thailand's 2019 Vote: The General's Election". Pacific Affairs. 92 (3): 443–457. doi:10.5509/2019923443. ISSN 0030-851X.
- ^ "Senate must give way". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Evans, Michael Ruffles, Michael (8 September 2019). "From sinister to minister: politician's drug trafficking jail time revealed". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d McCargo, Duncan (2019). "Southeast Asia's Troubling Elections: Democratic Demolition in Thailand". Journal of Democracy. 30 (4): 119–133. doi:10.1353/jod.2019.0056. ISSN 1086-3214. S2CID 208688810.
- ^ McCargo, Duncan; Alexander, Saowanee T. (2019). "Thailand's 2019 Elections: A State of Democratic Dictatorship?". Asia Policy. 26 (4): 89–106. doi:10.1353/asp.2019.0050. ISSN 1559-2960. S2CID 208625542.
- ^ McCARGO, DUNCAN (2019). "Anatomy: Future Backward". Contemporary Southeast Asia. 41 (2): 153–162. doi:10.1355/cs41-2a. ISSN 0129-797X. JSTOR 26798844.
- ^ a b c "Thai protests: Thousands gather in Bangkok as king returns to country". BBC News. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ News, A. B. C. "Court in Thailand orders popular opposition party dissolved". ABC News. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Subs plan could sink govt fortunes". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "All you need to know about Thai protests". Prachatai English. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ a b c d Reed, John (13 October 2020). "The king's money: Thailand divided over the $40bn question". Financial Times.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Thais question king's spending as economy takes hit from Covid-19". Financial Times. 16 September 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Thai parliament approves king's constitutional changes request, likely delaying elections". Reuters. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "Thai king takes control of five palace agencies". The Business Times. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ a b McCargo, Duncan; Alexander, Saowanee T. (2019). "Thailand's 2019 Elections: A State of Democratic Dictatorship?". Asia Policy. 26 (4): 89–106. doi:10.1353/asp.2019.0050. ISSN 1559-2960. S2CID 208625542.
- ^ McCargo, Duncan (29 March 2019). "Opinion | 'We Are Grown-Up Now and Can Choose for Ourselves'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ 2014 coup marks the highest number of lèse-majesté prisoners in Thai history. Prachatai.
- ^ Wright, George; Praithongyaem, Issariya (2 July 2020). "The satirist who vanished in broad daylight". BBC News. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "After court rejects petition to free dissident, he is released from mental hospital". The Isaan Record. 22 July 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "The unjust massacre that is fuelling the democratic movement". Prachatai English. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ Burton, Jack (24 March 2020). "Thailand under a State of emergency – Prime Minister". The Thaiger. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ Pulitzer, Greeley (2 April 2020). "National curfew announced. Takes effect tomorrow". The Thaiger.
- ^ Macan-Markar, Marwaan (29 June 2020). "Thailand seeks to extend COVID emergency despite no new cases". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ Abuza, Zachary (21 April 2020). "Explaining Successful (and Unsuccessful) COVID-19 Responses in Southeast Asia". The Diplomat. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Bello, Walden (3 June 2020). "How Thailand Contained COVID-19". Foreign Policy In Focus. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Parpart, Erich (29 September 2020). "Thailand's state of emergency has been extended for the sixth time". Thai Enquirer. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ Paweewun, Oranan (16 April 2020). "IMF: Thai GDP down 6.7%". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ Theparat, Chatrudee (7 April 2020). "Cabinet gives green light to B1.9tn stimulus". Bangkok Post.
- ^ "ปชช.กังวลทหารอียิปต์-ครอบครัวซูดาน ทำ COVID-19 ระบาดใหม่" [Ppl. concerned [about] Egyptian solider-Sudanese family to cause new COVID-19 pandemic]. Thai PBS (in Thai). 19 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "หละหลวม ปล่อยทหารอียิปต์ติดโควิด เข้ามา ท่องเที่ยวระยองพังหนัก รอวันตาย" [Careless. Let COVID infected Egyptian soldier in. Rayong tourism heavily damaged, waiting to die.]. Thairath (in Thai). 15 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- ^ "ท่องเที่ยวระยองพังพินาศ แห่ถอนจองโรงแรมรีสอร์ท90%" [Rayong tourism devastated. 90% hotel-resort booking canceled]. Dailynews (in Thai). 14 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "โซเชียลเดือด ดันแฮชแท็ก #ตํารวจระยองอุ้มประชาชน ปม 2 วัยรุ่นชูป้ายไล่นายกฯ" [Social boiled. Push hash tag 'Rayong police arrest people' in incident of two teens holding signs.]. Thairath (in Thai). 15 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ Harmer, Jerry (21 October 2020). "39 Chinese are Thailand's 1st foreign tourists in 7 months". Associated Press. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ "Thailand's Future Forward Party Has the Support of Young Thais. A Court Could Disband It Entirely". Time. 20 January 2020. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "A Popular Thai Opposition Party Was Disbanded. What Happens Next?". CFR. 27 February 2020. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ Ratcliffe, Rebecca; correspondent, South-east Asia (24 August 2020). "'We want a true democracy': students lead Thailand's protest movement". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ "Anti-government rallies spreading across Thailand". Coconut Thailand. 20 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "'เยาวชนปลดแอก' เปิดแถลงการณ์ข้อเรียกร้องฉบับเต็ม" ['Free Youth' released full declaration]. Bangkok Biz News (in Thai). 18 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "วังวนการเมืองเน่าสุด จุดไฟม็อบ#เยาวชนปลดแอกลงถนน ยืนยันไม่ "ล้มเจ้า"" [Rotting political cycle. Spark 'Free Youth' mob to streets, affirms not to "overthrow monarchy"]. Manager Online (in Thai). Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "Chiang Mai, Ubon rally against Prayut, government". Bangkok Post. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "ประท้วงดาวกระจายลามกว่า 20 จังหวัด เปิดไทม์ไลน์จุดเริ่มจาก 'เยาวชนปลดแอก'" [Protest spread to more than 20 provinces. Show timeline starting from 'Free Youth']. The Bangkok Insight (in Thai). 23 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "#อีสานสิบ่ทน พุ่งติดเทรนด์อันดับ 1 แห่ขบวนหมอลำ ม่วนหลายก่อนปราศรัย". Thai Rath (in Thai). 22 July 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "4 มหาวิทยาลัยในโคราช นักเรียน ประชาชน แสดงพลังทวงคืนประชาธิปไตย". Thairath (in Thai). 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ ""กลุ่มเสรีเทยพลัส" จัดกิจกรรมม็อบไม่มุ้งมิ้งแต่ตุ้งติ้งค่ะคุณรัฐบาล". MGR Online (in Thai). 25 July 2020. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "Hamtaro Uncaged! Reinventing the wheel of political protest". Thisrupt. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "[Full statement] The demonstration at Thammasat proposes monarchy reform". Prachatai English. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "Harry Potter-themed protest openly criticises Thai monarchy". ABC. 4 August 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "Thailand protesters openly criticise monarchy in Harry Potter-themed rally". The Guardian. 4 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ "ม็อบนศ.ฮือต้าน"รัฐบาลลุงตู่"แน่น ม.ธรรมศาสตร์" [Student mobs amass to resist "Uncle Tu government" in Thammasat U.]. Post Today. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b Press, Associated (11 August 2020). "Student Protest at Thammasat the Largest Rally in Months". Khaosod English. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "ประมวลชุมนุม #ธรรมศาสตร์จะไม่ทน 'เราไม่ต้องการปฏิรูปเราต้องการปฏิวัติ'" [Summary of demonstration Thammasat will not tolerate 'We do not want reforms; we want revolution' }language=th]. prachatai.com. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ "The ten demands that shook Thailand". New Mandala. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
- ^ "Unprecedented open criticism of king aired at Thai protest". AP NEWS. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
- ^ a b "สำรวจแนวการชุมนุมประชาชนหนุน-ต้านรัฐบาล" [Investigate protest line support-against government.]. BBC ไทย (in Thai). Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "Thailand: Drop Charges, Release Student Activist". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Thailand's youth demo evolves to largest protest since 2014 coup". Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "Thai protesters stage fresh pro-democracy rally". BBC News. 16 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ Record, The Isaan (21 August 2020). "Black magic and calls for change at large protest at Khon Kaen's Democracy Monument". The Isaan Record. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ English, Khaosod (21 August 2020). "Large Protests Hit Isaan, Major Rally Announced for Sep. 19". Khaosod English. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ "Anti-govt rally in Khon Kaen". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Students submit manifesto". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "First ever dialogue on Thai monarchy arrives in Parliament's 'safe zone'". www.thaipbsworld.com. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ Sattaburut, Aekarach; Chetchotiros, Nattaya. "Govt pleads for charter support". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Apologies, demands made at first anti-dictatorship overnight protest". Prachatai English. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ "Chaos as anti-government protesters remove police barriers". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Students rally at ministry to repeat demands". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Associated press. "Student Activists Seeking Reforms Debate Education Minister". Khaosod.
- ^ "Thais hold huge protest demanding reforms". BBC News. 19 September 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ "Massive Crowd Turns Out in Bangkok for Weekend of Pro-Democracy Protests". BenarNews. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ "Scenes From Thailand's Massive Protests Demanding Reform". Diplomat. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ a b Pongsudhirak, Thitinan. "Reforms need broadening of the agenda". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Thai activists challenge monarchy by laying plaque". BBC News. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ "Protesters install 'new plaque' at Sanam Luang". Bangkok Post. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Activists end rally after submitting demands". Bangkok Post. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Plaque installed by Thai protesters near palace removed". Al Jazeera. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ "Less Than a Day Old, Democracy Plaque Lives On In Memes, Fanart". Khaosod English. 22 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Protests continue to target Thai monarchy". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ Reed, John. "#RepublicofThailand trends as protesters maintain push on monarchy". Financial Times. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ "Getting Radical? Thai netizens call for the "Republic of Thailand"". thisrupt.co. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Students protest against abuse in schools, call for Education Minister to resign". Prachatai English. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ "Early rally site cleared, protesters arrested". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d Beech, Hannah (16 October 2020). "Thailand Steps Up Response as Antigovernment Protests Escalate". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ a b Ashworth, Caitlin (14 October 2020). ""Elevated risk of unrest" after 21 activist arrests, UN department says". The Thaiger. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ Johnson, Panu Wongcha-um, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Kay (13 October 2020). "Thai protesters clash with police, call out as king's motorcade passes". Reuters. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Protesters gathering at Democracy Monument". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Anti-Gov't Protest Plans Complicated by Royal Itinerary". Khaosod English. Retrieved 14 October 2020 – via Reuters.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Imposters Among Us: Royalists Showing Support for Protest Go Viral". Khaosod English. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Bangkok On Edge as Royalists Face Off With Anti-Gov't Protesters". Khaosod English. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Arrests heighten rally concerns". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Arrests heighten rally concerns". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Anti-government protesters reach Government House, criticize monarchy". Prachatai English. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "Protesters vow to stay 3 days at Govt House to oust Prayut". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c Tostevin, Matthew; Tanakasempipat, Patpicha; Setboonsarng, Chayut; Wongcha-um, Panu (23 October 2020). "Turning point in Thailand: Queen's brush with protest". Reuters. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
- ^ a b "PM ORDERS PROSECUTION OF PROTESTERS WHO 'BLOCKED ROYAL CONVOY'date=15 October 2020". Khaosod English. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "เกาะติด "คณะราษฎร" ชุมนุม 14 ตุลา "ราษฎรจะเดินนำ ที่ราชดำเนิน" – บีบีซีไทย". BBC Thai (in Thai). Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ a b Vegpongsa, Tassannee (14 October 2020). "Thai Leader Declares 'Severe' State of Emergency in Bangkok as Anti-Government Protests Continue". Time.com. AP. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ "Police clear protest as emergency decree bans gatherings". Bangkok Post. Reuters. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ English, Khaosod (20 October 2020). "Schoolgirls Emerge as Leaders of Leaderless Protests in Bangkok". Khaosod English. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ "Twenty protesters arrested, planned Thursday rally prohibited". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Prawit-led centre likely to handle situation". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "'รังสิมันต์ โรม'โพสต์ภาพทหารเข้าประจำการรัฐสภาหวั่นคล้ายสถานการณ์ปี57". Siam Rath (in Thai). 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "ฝ่ายค้านจี้ยกเลิกประกาศสถานการณ์ฉุกเฉินทันที เสนอเปิดประชุมสภาสมัยวิสามัญ". Thai Rath (in Thai). 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ Regan, Helen (16 October 2020). "Two Thai protesters could face life imprisonment for violence against the Queen". CNN. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ English, Khaosod (15 October 2020). "3 Senior Policemen Removed for Motorcade Bedlam". Khaosod English.
- ^ "Activist Leaders Arrested But Ratchaprasong Rally to Go Ahead". www.khaosodenglish.com. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c "Water cannon used on protesters". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "Thai protests: Demonstrators gather again in Bangkok, defying crackdown". BBC News. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "Protesters occupy Ratchaprasong intersection". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Cabinet confirms state of emergency, curfew if protests escalate". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "'Everyone Can Die Any Moment,' Outrage at Prayut's Protest Remark". Khaosod English. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "Thai police resort to teargas, arrest warrants against protesters". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "Thailand protests: Riot police fire water cannon as protesters defy rally ban". BBC News. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "นักศึกษาธรรมศาสตร์ จัดแฟลชม็อบ ประณามสลายการชุมนุม". Prachachat Turakij (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "นศ.ลุกฮือประณามรัฐ ต่อต้านใช้ความรุนแรง". Bangkokbiznews (in Thai). Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "นักศึกษา ม.ขอนแก่น รับไม่ได้ ลุกฮือจัดชุมนุม ประณามการกระทำจนท". Khaosod (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "'หมอวรงค์'งัดภาพม็อบทำร้ายจนท.ด้วยคีมตัดเหล็กขนาดใหญ่ แฉขบวนการบิดเบือน". Siam Rath (in Thai). 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "อัษฎางค์ เปิดประเด็น ม็อบมือเปล่าจริงหรือ ด่าสถาบันฯ กลางราชประสงค์...เรียกชุมนุมสงบจริงหรือ". TNews (in Thai). 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "ไขข้อสงสัย สลายม็อบ 'แยกปทุมวัน' ทำไมต้อง 'น้ำสีฟ้า' !?". ฺBangkokbiznews (in Thai). Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ a b c Neumann, Scott (16 October 2020). "Police In Bangkok Use Water Cannon To Break Up Anti-Government Protests". NPR.com. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ "Police insist water cannons did not fire harmful chemicals". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ Yuda, Masayuki (18 October 2020). "Thailand's crackdown on protests turns violent: Five things to know". Nikkei Asian Review.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Human Rights Watch (17 October 2020). "Thailand: Water Cannon Used Against Peaceful Activists". Human Rights Watch.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Protesters pick 3 sites as mass transit shut down". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ Thepgumpanat, Patpicha Tanakasempipat, Panarat (17 October 2020). "Tens of thousands protest across Thailand in defiance of ban". Reuters. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "House mulls meet to end unrest". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Thailand latest: Protesters warn of a 'surprise' if demands not met". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ coconutsbangkok (20 October 2020). "Free Youth vows 'surprise' if gov't fails to release protesters today | Coconuts Bangkok". Coconuts. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ "Free Youth protesters hit pause". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Crowds rally in provinces in support of monarchy". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ a b c "PM offers end to 'emergency'". Bangok Post. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ "ม.รามเดือด กลุ่มปกป้องสถาบัน เผชิญหน้า-ปะทะ กลุ่มรามคำแหงปชต. ตร.ห้ามวุ่น". Khaosod (in Thai). 21 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ "State of emergency ends in Bangkok". Bangkok Post. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ Regan, Helen (22 October 2020). "Thailand's Prime Minister lifts state of emergency. Protesters give him three days to resign". CNN.com. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ "เปิดบทสนทนาของนักศึกษากลุ่ม "ไทยภักดี" กับ "ประชาชนปลดแอก" ว่าด้วยท่อน้ำเลี้ยง-เพดาน-สิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์". BBC ไทย (in Thai). BBC. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "กัดไม่ปล่อย จ่อร้อง "สรรพากร" สอบท่อน้ำเลี้ยงม็อบ". ฐานเศรษฐกิจ (in Thai). Bangkok: ฐานเศรษฐกิจ. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ Komkrit Duangmanee (22 September 2020). "ทราย เจริญปุระ โพสต์โต้ปมควักเงินหนุนม็อบ ลั่น "จะตรวจสอบอะไร ไม่ได้รับบริจาค"". สนุก! นิวส์ (in Thai). Bangkok: เทนเซนต์ (ประเทศไทย). Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "มาแล้ว! "ทราย เจริญปุระ" ตั้งโรงครัวให้ชาวม็อบ บริเวณสนามหลวงใกล้พระแม่ธรณีฯ". สนุก! นิวส์ (in Thai). Bangkok: เทนเซนต์ (ประเทศไทย). 19 September 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "ปังมาก! แฟนคลับเกาหลี โดเนทท่อน้ำเลี้ยงม็อบ ไม่กี่วันทะลุล้าน ผุดแคมเปญ เลิกซื้อโฆษณารฟฟ". มติชน (in Thai). Bangkok: มติชน. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "สุดปังพลังติ่ง แฟนคลับศิลปินเกาหลีระดมเงิน 2.3 ล้านสนับสนุนม็อบ". ประชาชาติธุรกิจ (in Thai). Bangkok: ประชาชาติธุรกิจ. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "เหล่าแฟนคลับศิลปินเกาหลีร่วมระดมทุนท่อน้ำเลี้ยง ยอดทะลุล้านในเวลาอันรวดเร็ว!". Kornews (in Thai). Bangkok: Kornews. 18 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ กองบรรณาธิการวอยซ์ออนไลน์ (16 September 2020). "'ศรีสุวรรณ' ร้องสอบ 'ท่อน้ำเลี้ยงม็อบ' รับหาหลักฐานเอาผิด 'กปปส.' ยาก". Voice Online. Bangkok: Voice. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ English, Khaosod (31 August 2020). "U.S. Embassy Denies Funding Anti-Govt Protests". Khaosod English. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ Chotanan, Patawee. "Dancing with dictatorship: how the government is dealing with the Free Youth movement".
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "รอง ผบช.น.รับออกหนังสือคำสั่งใช้รถตัดสัญญาณจริง". Komchadluek (in Thai). 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ "แห่ดิสไลค์ คลิปกรมประชาฯ โวยรัฐใช้ภาษีทำคลิปดิสเครดิตม็อบเยาวชน". ไทยรัฐ (in Thai). 22 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ "Prayut says the economic situation will not recover because of the protesters". Thai Enquirer. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ ""บิ๊กแดง" น้ำตาคลอ! เปิดใจถึงม็อบ นศ. เตือนอย่าใช้วาจาจาบจ้วง". Channel 8 (in Thai). 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "ผบ.ทบ. ลั่นโอกาสรัฐประหาร "เป็นศูนย์"". BBC ไทย (in Thai). Retrieved 6 October 2020.
- ^ "จับตา! #ม็อบไม่มุ้งมิ้งแต่ตุ้งติ้ง ทวง 3 ข้อรัฐบาล". ThaiPBS (in Thai). 25 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "Exclusive: Thailand tells universities to stop students' calls for monarchy reform". www.msn.com. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ "ด่วน! ตร.พัทลุง ทำหนังสือถึงโรงเรียน สั่งห้าม นร.-นศ. ชุมนุมไล่รัฐบาล". Khaosod (in Thai). 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "ให้ทุกรร.สังกัดสพฐ.อนุญาตเด็กจัดชุมนุมแต่ห้ามคนนอกร่วม". เนชั่น (in Thai). 18 August 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "เปิดชื่อ 109 รร. คุกคาม นร. "ผูกโบว์ขาว-ชู 3 นิ้ว"". BBC Thai (in Thai). Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ "Anti-Govt Protesters Detained, Given 'Attitude Adjustment' in Jungle". Khaosod English. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ "High school student summoned for Ratchaburi protest". Prachatai. 10 September 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "The politics of decree". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Rojanaphruk, Pravit; Writer, Senior Staff (30 August 2020). "Opinion: The Irony of a Facebook Group Critical of the Monarchy". Khaosod English. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Facebook blocks group critical of Thai monarchy". BBC News. 25 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- ^ "Thailand to block 2,000 websites ahead of pro-democracy protests". Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ Ngamkham, Wassayos. "Govt taking legal action against major social media providers". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "โซเชียลตั้งคำถาม ทีวีไทยเซ็นเซอร์ ตัดสัญญาณออกอากาศสื่อต่างประเทศ". มติชนออนไลน์ (in Thai). 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "Thailand latest: Bangkok's big malls brace for afternoon protest". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "Police move to silence news, Facebook platforms". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "ตำรวจบุก "ฟ้าเดียวกัน" ตรวจยึดหนังสือวิจารณ์สถาบันกษัตริย์". Manager Online (in Thai). 19 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
- ^ "ช่วงม็อบพบโพสต์ผิดพรก. 3.2 แสนข้อความ จ่อฟันคนโพสต์-สื่อ-นักการเมือง". Khaosod (in Thai). 19 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
- ^ "Media groups warn govt". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Raksaseri, Kornchanok. "You can observe rallies, envoys told". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Parliament readies for crisis session". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ Crispin, Shawn W. (18 August 2020). "New generation of daring resistance in Thailand". Asia Times. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
- ^ "Thai PM says protesters' call for monarchy reform 'went too far'". aljazeera.com. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
- ^ ""ในหลวง" ตรัส "กล้ามาก เก่งมาก ขอบใจ" ชายชูพระบรมฉายาลักษณ์ ร.๙ กลางผู้ประท้วง (ชมคลิป)". Manager Online (in Thai). 24 October 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ "Thai king's praise for defiant loyalist draws controversy". Reuters. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
- ^ "ยอมรับแล้ว! "ปิยบุตร" ยืมปาก "พิธา" เฉลย "ล้มเจ้า" ในม็อบ "สาธิต" นักธุรกิจอินเดียรักในหลวงขอถก "บิ๊กแดง"". mgronline.com (in Thai). 23 July 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "เพื่อไทย แถลงการณ์ ของเสียงทุกฝ่ายให้ครบ 250 ดัน ตั้ง ส.ส.ร.แก้รธน". Thairath online (in Thai). 8 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Tun-atiruj, Choltanutkun (28 August 2020). "Maria Poonlertlarp: the price of having political opinions". thisrupt.co. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ S, Achi (20 July 2020). "เอก HRK และ โบ๊ะบ๊ะแฟมมิลี่ ออกมาแสดงจุดยืนทางการเมือง ถึงกลุ่ม เยาวชนปลดแอก". Bright Today (in Thai). Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Time to call out. Thai stars show solidarity with protest leader". workpointTODAY. 13 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "คอมเมนต์สนั่น! ปรากฏการณ์โซเชียลมูฟเมนต์ จากไอดอลสาว BNK 48". Amarin (in Thai). 19 July 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "ดารา-คนบันเทิง แห่โพสต์สนับสนุนเสรีภาพ ต้านการคุกคามประชาชน". Prachachat (in Thai). 14 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Doctor sacked for opposing govt's dispersal of protesters". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "UNICEF calls for the protection of children and young people amid protests in Thailand". www.unicef.org (in English and Thai). 18 August 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ "Unicef reminds Thailand of young people's right to safety, freedom of expression". The Nation. 18 August 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Thailand: Bangkok shuts public transport as protests persist | DW | 17 October 2020". Deutshe Welle. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "Thailand: Police disperse pro-democracy protesters outside PM's office". Euro News. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "Tuen Mun Community Network:Let the totalitarian end in our generation". Tuen Mun Community Network. 14 August 2020. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "โจชัว หว่อง ฝากถึงชาวโลก ให้ช่วยยืนเคียงข้างชาวไทยหัวใจประชาธิปไตย". Khaosod (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "เกาหลีใต้ จี้ รบ.เลิกส่งออกรถฉีดน้ำสลายม็อบ". VoiceTV (in Thai). Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ "Prayut lifts state of emergency". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Cool heads must prevail". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "สถาบันทิศทางไทย เปิดผังเครือข่ายปฏิวัติประชาชน(เพ้อฝัน)". Nation (in Thai). 10 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ "Thai protest icon is 'prepared' to cross kingdom's forbidden line". Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ "A global conspiracy against the Thai Kingdom". thisrupt.co. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ {{cite news |title=ตำรวจ บุกไทยซัมมิท กลางวงแถลงข่าวคณะก้าวหน้า |url=https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/902934 |accessdate=16 October 2020 |work=Bangkokbiznews |language=th
- ^ "บุก 'ไทยซัมมิท' หนสอง ศ.ป.ป.ส.ไล่ 'ธนาธร' พ้นแผ่นดิน จี้ถือธงนำหน้า อย่าแอบหลังขบวนการ น.ศ." Matichon (in Thai). 12 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "หยุดจาบจ้วงพระมหากษัตริย์". Naewna (in Thai). Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "'สุดารัตน์'ติงไม่ควรก้าวล่วงสถาบัน วอนยึด3ข้อเรียกร้อง". เดลินิวส์ (in Thai). 11 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ Neumayer, Christina (22 December 2015), "Nationalist and Anti-Fascist Movements in Social Media", The Routledge Companion to Social Media and Politics, New York, NY: Routledge, pp. 296–307, doi:10.4324/9781315716299-22, ISBN 978-1-315-71629-9
- ^ Sombatpoonsiri, Janjira; Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (2018). "Conservative Civil Society in Thailand". In Youngs, Richard (ed.). The mobilization of conservative civil society (PDF). Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. pp. 27–32. OCLC 1059452133.
- ^ Correspondent, Our. "Thailand Blocks Overseas Opposition Voice". www.asiasentinel.com. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ "New Social Media and Politics in Thailand: The Emergence of Fascist Vigilante Groups on Facebook". ASEAS – Austrian Journal of South-East Asian Studies (in German). 9 (2): 215–234. 2016. ISSN 1999-2521. OCLC 7179244833.
- ^ ""Whores" & "Sluts": why "good people" love these insults". thisrupt.co. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Constitutional Court accepts treason complaint against protest leaders". Prachatai English. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ English, Khaosod (17 September 2020). "Court To Rule Whether Protest Leaders Committed Treason". Khaosod English. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ "ม็อบ3นิ้วเหิมเกริมหนักล้อมขบวนเสด็จ-ยึดทำเนียบฯไล่นายกฯ". Manager Online. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "เอาแล้ว! 'ลุงกำนัน' เหลืออดม็อบคุกคามขบวนเสด็จ ชวนพี่น้องร่วมอุดมการณ์ปกป้องสถาบัน". Thai Post (in Thai). Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "11th grader summoned by teacher, asked not to give protest speeches". Prachatai. 11 September 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "'อ.เจษฎา' ชี้ม็อบสาดสีใส่ตร. 'รุนแรง-คุกคาม' ยกตัวอย่างสากลประท้วงสันติวิธีด้วยภาพวาด". Thai Post (in Thai). Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "เพจโปลิศไทยแลนด์ ตำหนิม็อบสาดสีใส่ตำรวจไม่เกิดผลดีเลย แสดงออกถึงตัวตนเป็นเช่นไร". Thai Post (in Thai). Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "หมอสุกิจ อัดม็อบหยาบคายใส่ 'ชวน' ยันเป็นกลาง ไล่ไปด่า ส.ส.-สว.ตัวเอง". ข่าวสด (in Thai). 25 September 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ "มือมืดปาสี ใส่กลุ่มไทยภักดี ขณะชุมนุมปกป้องสถาบันที่ศาลหลักเมืองขอนแก่น". Siam Rath (in Thai). 23 October 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ "ชูป้ายผิดชีวิตเปลี่ยน หวิดถูก'กลุ่มผู้ชุมนุม'ประชาทัณฑ์". Daily News (in Thai). 23 October 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ "Majority agree with Free People group's demands: Poll". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Helen Regan; Kocha Olarn. "Thailand's monarchy was long considered God-like. But protesters say it's time for change". CNN. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ "Opinion: Student Protest Leaders Lack a Coherent Strategy". Khaosod English. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ Atiya, Achakulwisut. "Crackdown on student protest is a wasted effort". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Cunningham, Philip J. "An unexpectedly successful protest". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- ^ "Loss of protest leaders 'critical'". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "Thailand's Protesters Want the World to Know #WhatsHappeningInThailand". Diplomat. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ Ruffles, Michael (9 September 2020). "Putsch to shove? Thai PM led a coup but won't talk about the chance of another". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ "Anti-coup instructions spread as speculation runs riot". Prachatai. 10 September 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ ""Red rim soldiers": the changing leadership of Thailand's military in 2020". New Mandala. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ "Thai protests: Demonstrators gather again in Bangkok, defying crackdown". BBC News. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "Student Protests in Thailand: The End of Political Quiescence". ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. 19 October 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ English, Khaosod (16 October 2020). "7 Arrested for Fresh Protest, Cops Threaten to Charge Everyone". Khaosod English. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ English, Khaosod (16 October 2020). "Editorial: Prayut Has Lost All Legitimacy. He Must Go". Khaosod English. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "Listen to the young". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link)