Thailand protestors take to street calling government to resign

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Last four detained protesters to be released

The Criminal Court has thrown out detention requests for four activists who remained in jail after they were behind bars for almost 20 days.

They will be released at midnight on Monday and their lawyer assured they would not be detained in other cases.

The four were Anon Nampha, Ekkachai Hongkangwan, Somyout Prueksakaemsuk and Suranart Panprasert, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

It remained unclear whether police would try to detain any of them further in other cases.

Earlier on Monday, the Pathumwan court also dismissed a police request to detain Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul and Parit Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak for their roles during rallies at the skywalk on June 5 and June 22. The protests aimed to demand justice for the disappearance of former activist Wanchalaerm Satsaksit in Cambodia.

In the afternoon, the Rayong Court also threw out a police request to detain Panupong “Mike” Jadnok, who on July 15 raised a poster criticising Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha during the prime minister’s visit. The poster slammed the government’s handling of the Covid-19 situation in the province after some Covid-19-infected Egyptian soldiers had been found to have left the quarantine facility and roamed the town.

Both courts cited as reasons the facts that the three were still at hospital and were not flight risks.

Meanwhile, police continued to charge other protesters despite recent decisions of courts.

Patsaravalee "Mind" Tanakitvibulpon, another activist, on Monday received a summon issued by Thong Mahamek police, accusing her of sedition for her involvement at a rally at the German embassy on Oct 26.

All, except Mr Suranart, are detained at Bangkok Remand Prison. Mr Suranart is at Bang Kwang Prison.

[TotallyOz]

19 hours ago, reader said:

From Thai Enquirer

HM the King signals ‘compromise’ in surprise interview with foreign press

His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn said that Thailand was a land of compromise in a surprise ad-hoc interview granted to CNN on Sunday night.

The King was asked by CNN’s Johnathan Miller what he thought of student-led protests which have at times called for a reform of the royal institution to which he replied, “We love them all the same.”

When pressed by Miller on a possible compromise between the palace and the protesters, his majesty responded, “Thailand is a land of compromise.”

The interview was unexpected as the palace does not normally grant interviews.

Student-led pro-democracy protests have gripped the country for the past four months with demonstrators calling on the Prayut Chan-ocha government to resign, for the government to re-draft the military-backed charter and for the government to stop harassing dissidents.

 

[reader]

From Khaosod English

Firecracker Attack on Anti-Gov’t Protest

BANGKOK — Police said Tuesday they have yet to identify the perpetrator who threw a firecracker at yesterday’s anti-government rally close to the MRT Tha Phra station.

Chaos briefly broke out at Monday’s protest when a loud bang was heard close to where demonstrators were gathering at about 6pm, though no one was injured. Some protesters tried to enter the MRT station and chase after the attacker, but protest volunteer guards stopped them doing so lest the confrontation turns violent.

Deputy metro police commander Jirapat Phumjit said investigators are sifting through security camera footage around the scene, but they have yet to find anyone suspicious, despite dozens of cameras installed at the train station.

“Local police are on the hunt for the suspect,” Maj. Gen. Jirapat said. “A used firecracker was found at the scene below the MRT Thra Phra station and it is widely available in the market.”

Hundreds of people occupied the Tha Phra intersection on Monday afternoon and insisted on the three demands for resignation of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, charter amendments, and reform of the monarchy institution. 

Apart from the firecracker, the rally proceeded without any violence until they dispersed at 8.30pm.

=========================================

From Bangkok Post

Former PMs support reconciliation panel

Three former prime ministers have supported the parliament's initiative to set up a reconciliation panel in a bid to end the political rift, Parliament President Chuan Leekpai said on Tuesday.

Mr Chuan said he had approached former prime ministers Anand Panyarachun, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Abhisit Vejjajiva by phone and they supported the idea.

Gen Chavalit said he had been contacted and had agreed to join the panel and did not dismiss the possibility he could be panel chairman, when asked by reporters.

The reconciliation panel was proposed by a special joint meeting of parliament, called so MPs and senators could give their opinions on how to end the political crisis.

[reader]

From The Nation

Prayut challenges his successor

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued a challenge, saying the person who succeeds him should be greater, better and more honest.

According to Matichon, the premier made this declaration in a keynote address at the Thailand National Defence College on Thursday. Though media were not allowed to attend the event, a video recording of the speech was released.

In the speech, Prayut said the country’s educational system was not bad, but it focused far too much on academics, when people should be educated about patriotism, history and loyalty.

“I hope the person who comes after me will be greater, better and more honest or as honest as me,” he said, adding that he was tired and bored of using his authority and power.

He said he had used his power to “nurture good people and punish bad people”, which was a really tough job.

[Guest]

1 hour ago, reader said:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued a challenge, saying the person who succeeds him should be greater, better and more honest.

If he thinks that's a challenge, then perhaps he has an ego problem.

 

 

1 hour ago, reader said:

Prayut said the country’s educational system was not bad, but it focused far too much on academics, when people should be educated about patriotism, history and loyalty.

He's got that part completely wrong.     What he's recommending here is to stuff people's minds full of propaganda to preserve the status quo.

[reader]

From Khaosod English Facebook Page

Live video is currently being broadcast from scene of protest in Bangkok. Water cannons are being used in attempt to drive back demonstrators.

 

[reader]

From The Nation

Remembering the ‘father of Thai democracy’ as his spirit rises again

Historian Wichitwong Na Pomphet has offered some timely historical background for escalating pro-democracy protests that have erupted in Thailand over the past six months.

Last month the student-led protest movement began calling itself Khana Ratsadon (People’s Party) 2020, after the People’s Party that led the bloodless 1932 Siamese Revolution to end absolute monarchy and usher in constitutional monarchy.

At the head of that revolution was Pridi Banomyong, the so-called “father of Thai democracy” and a hero to the young protesters out on the streets today. Pridi saw his dreams of a democratic Thailand shattered in 1947 when the military staged a coup in what became the template for Thai politics to this day.

Now, student-led protesters are seeking to break that template by demanding the resignation of General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who took power in the 2014 coup, and the rewriting of his junta-scripted Constitution.

The 73rd anniversary of the 1947 coup fell on Sunday (November 8), prompting author Wichitwong Na Pomphet to post an article about Pridi’s escape from Thailand at https://pridi.or.th, the website of the Pridi Banomyong Institute.

On November 8, 1947, Army troops seized various government installations in Bangkok. The coup, led by Lieutenant General Phin Choonhavan and Colonel Kat Katsongkhram, ousted the government of Pridi’s proxy, Rear Admiral Thawan Thamrongnawasawat, who was replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong as prime minister.

Khuang had earlier headed the government elected in January 1946, but when he resigned in March, Pridi took over in a bid to stabilise spiralling political tensions. The Pridi government marked the war crimes trial of former PM Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who managed to escape charges of colluding with Japan on a legal technicality.

After a general election, Pridi resigned as prime minister and took up his role of senior statesman.

A year later, the military staged a coup and armoured cars arrived in front of Pridi's Bangkok riverside residence. Pridi had already been tipped off, though, and spent the week hiding under the care of Admiral Sindhu Songkhramchai at Royal Thai Navy headquarters. On November 20, he was smuggled to Singapore by British and US agents, before making his way to North America via Shanghai.

“The 1947 coup effectively ended Pridi’s role in Thai politics and was followed by several attempts by adversaries to strip him of his Senior Statesman title,” said Wichitwong.

“Pridi spent 36 years in exile until his death in France in 1983 at the age of 84.”

[reader]

From Thai Enquirer

Ultra-royalists say they will escalate the situation if authorities don’t act against students

Ultra-royalists, pro-military politicians, and some senators are agitating for conflict and said this week that they will escalate the situation themselves unless the authorities take a harsher stance against the pro-democracy demonstrators.

Student-led pro-democracy protests have gripped the nation the past four months. Protesters are asking for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha to step down, rewrite a military-drafted constitution, and reform the monarchy.

On Monday, Krit Yeammaethakorn, secretary general of the People’s Networks to Protect the Monarch, went to the Government House and the Army Headquarters to submit a petition to ask for the government to enact a “special law” to “shutdown” the country in order to suppress pro-democracy protests.       

He said asking for a special law to get rid of the pro-democracy protests is not the same as a coup.

Krit, the ultra-royalist, is the same person who filed a lese-majeste law against a single mother of two for posting comments online. She was subsequently sentenced to jail for a totally 28 years in 2015.

Apart from Krit’s People’s Networks to Protect the Monarch, another pro-monarchy group, the Center for People Who Protect the Institution said on Monday that they will escalate their protests against the pro-democracy protesters.

They said they will shut down streets, if necessary, to get the government to crackdown and arrest more pro-democracy protesters.

Senator Pornthip Rojanasunand posted on her social media on Monday that young pro-democracy protesters do not believe in Dharma and karmic principles and do not have faith in the country.

“They are showing how low they are,” she said.

“The police commanders are not doing enough to protect the law and suppress [pro-democracy protesters],” she added.  

Paiboon Nititawan, deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, said on Tuesday that royalists should file complaints of sedition against the students.

Almost 40 pro-democracy protesters and leaders have been charged with sedition to date, which carries a sentence of up to seven years in jail.

==================================

From Thai Enquirer

Prayut calls for calm; says royalist groups should not confront student protesters

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said on Tuesday that royalist groups should not confront pro-democracy protestors at their rallies as violent confrontation is not the solution to the current social and political conflicts.

A pro-monarchy group, the Center for People Who Protect the Institution, said on Monday that they will escalate their demonstration to include more counter-rallies against pro-democracy protestors and shutting down streets to protect the monarchy from being insulted.

The group was involved in an incident where a female university student was injured during a scuffle between the royalist group and students who participated at a pro-democracy rally at Ramkhamhaeng University on October 21.

“I believe that this is not the way to fix the problem,” Prayut said at Government “Each person should be able to express their opinions that are beneficial and are not against the law”.

=======================================

From The Thaiger

Police checking contents of protest letter boxes to decide if charges will be filed

Police in Bangkok say they will be reading the contents of 4 red letter boxes used at a rally in the capital on Sunday in order to decide whether or not to press charges. Pro-democracy protesters used the letter boxes to drop hand-written petitions and letters calling for reform of the Monarchy. The letters were addressed to HM The King.

The red boxes, fashioned out of large red garbage bins decorated to look like Thailand Post mailboxes, were put to use after police blocked activists from marching to the Palace’s Household Bureau to deliver the letters to the Royal Household Bureau.

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Union demands end to use of city buses to block protesters

The city bus workers union is demanding an end to the use of BMTA buses to block the path of protest marchers, saying the agency is being wrongfully dragged into the political conflict.

The State Enterprise Workers Union branch at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) on Thursday said no more city buses should be used by police as blockades to halt the progress of protest marchers. 

The union also staunchly opposed a move by the Metropolitan Police Bureau and BMTA to bring claims against the protesters for damage to buses used as barriers.

============================================

From Bangkok Post

Monks barred from rallies

The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) has issued an order barring monks and novices from joining mass protests, its director Narong Songarom said. Monks who flout the ban could be defrocked.

The NOB and the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand have previously notified the heads of the monks' governing branches across the country to make sure that monks and novices do not engage in politics or political activities, Mr Narong said.

His comments were in response to media reports and photos taken of individuals in saffron robes who participated in anti-government rallies. They joined the protests despite repeated warnings from the NOB. A group of them were pictured holding placards demanding the right to vote, as monks are barred from voting.

======================================

From Khaosod English

Royalists Attacked a Car They Thought Thanathorn Was In (He Wasn’t)

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Police on Thursday declined to say whether a crowd of hardline monarchy supporters who mobbed and attacked a car thought to be carrying progressive politician Thanathorn Jungrungruangkit would be prosecuted. 

Thanathorn was touring Nakhon Si Thammarat to help a Move Forward Party candidate campaign for a local election, though the politician said he was not inside the vehicle surrounded by the ultraroyalists. When asked by reporters if the incident warrants a criminal investigation, a deputy national police chief declined to comment. 

“We cannot give any details at this time,” Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapat said. “We have to collect evidence first. I will let you know later if those actions broke any laws.” 

Thanathorn, 41, was attending a meeting with Move Forward Party officials inside Ravadee Hotel when pro-monarchy hardliners gathered in front of the hotel’s entrance and exits.

[reader]

From Coconuts Bangkok

Art and performances to headline just-announced Saturday rally ‘Mob Fest’

Pro-democracy organizers announced at noon today that their next mass rally will begin at 2pm Saturday at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. 

Aiming for a festival vibe, about 20 protest groups banding together in yet another coalition as “Mob Fest,” plan to campaign on “all the issues” with an event featuring performances, art and speeches.

Four days after the last rally saw thousands of protesters march to the Grand Palace bearing letters for the king, the newly minted “Mob Fest” Facebook page made the announcement.

“Mob Fest will open a space for protest from 2pm on Nov. 14 to campaign on all issues related to the constitution, from the fringes to the capital, from the sidewalk to the monarchy,” read its announcement. 

Despite announcing that the rally would start at the Democracy Monument, the group did not state where it will end up. The ongoing series of protests have seen details withheld until the last minute to avoid tipping off the authorities.

Mob Fest includes more than 20 groups including Bad Student, Free Arts and Women Freedom Thailand.

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Monument wrapped to cap dramatic day of rallies

Three pro-democracy rally groups came together on Saturday to wrap Democracy Monument in a huge cloth banner bearing messages denouncing the government and calling for reform.

The highly symbolic act followed an equally dramatic scene just two hours earlier, when hundreds of demonstrators turned their backs on a Royal motorcade.

As vehicles carrying Their Majesties the King and Queen to a ceremony to inaugurate a new subway extension passed nearby, the demonstrators faced the other way, raised three-finger salutes and sang the national anthem.

As the evening wore on, speakers in front of the covered monument reiterated their demands for a new constitution, the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and reform of the monarchy.

The charter was the main focus of their attention, as Parliament is scheduled to debate amendments on Tuesday and Wednesday. Seven bills, six of them drafted by political parties, are on the agenda but the youth-led movement wants lawmakers to adopt the one drafted by the civil group iLaw.

======================================

Video coverage of the events can be found on the Bangkok Post website and Khaosod English's Facebook page.

[reader]

From Thai Enquirer

Students call for massive protest ahead of parliament vote

Student pro-democracy demonstrators are calling for a large scale rally outside of parliament as the lower house prepares to deliberate charter amendments on Tuesday.

The students say they want a “massive demonstration” to put pressure on parliament to amend the constitution.

Student-led protests have gripped the country for the past four months with students demanding an end to military interference in politics. They are calling for the removal of the Prayut Chan-ocha government which took power during a military coup and manipulated the legislature to remain in power after elections. The students have also called for reformation of the country’s once-sacred royal institution.

Their final demand is to fix or rewrite the current constitution which was drafted by the military and allows the army to handpick all 250 members of the upper house senate. The charter also allows the senators to vote for the prime minister.

The protesters say they will begin their rally on Tuesday at 3pm and stay until “the voting is complete,” something which will not happen until Wednesday.

Royalist protesters say they will also plan their own demonstrations to keep the current charter in place.

According to the right wing, royalist group Thai Phakdee, the current constitution and Prayut-led government is vital in protecting the royal institution and the monarch from the demonstrators. 

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Eighteen hurt in Thailand's most violent protests since movement began

Thai police fired water cannon and teargas at protesters marching on parliament on Tuesday, and at least 18 people were hurt in the most violent confrontation since a youth-led protest movement emerged in July.

The protests have become the biggest challenge to Thailand's establishment in years.

Demonstrators converged on parliament to put pressure on lawmakers discussing changes to the constitution. Protesters also want the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army ruler, and to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Police sprayed water cannon at protesters who cut through razor-wire barricades and removed concrete barriers outside parliament. Officers then fired teargas. Thousands of protesters gathered at different points and the number grew into the evening.

Ambulances ferried the injured to hospital. Bangkok's Erawan Medical Centre said 18 people were hurt, 12 of them suffering as a result of teargas. It said one of those hurt was a police officer.

"This is brutal," said a 31-year-old volunteer with the FreeYouth protest group, who gave his name as Oh. Protesters pushed forward behind makeshift shields - including inflatable pool ducks.

The deputy head of Bangkok police, Piya Tavichai, told Reuters: "Police had to use teargas and water cannon because protesters were trying to break through the barriers."

Lawmakers were discussing several proposals for constitutional changes, some of which would exclude the possibility of altering the monarchy's role.

There is also discussion of the role of the upper house Senate, which was entirely selected by Prayuth's former junta and helped ensure that he kept power with a parliamentary majority after last year's disputed vote.

Some protesters scuffled with dozens of yellow-shirted royalists who had remained behind after an earlier demonstration by hundreds of right-wing Thais calling on lawmakers not to make changes to the constitution.

[reader]

As I surveyed the many media reports of pro-democracy demonstrations, I was awed how the Thai media has evolved in the face of the crisis. Even traditional conservative outlets have recognized their obligation to cover events that would have once been seen as "off-limits". Further, I've come to accept that events are unfolding so rapidly that my singular efforts can no longer adequately give them the justice they deserve.

If members are interested in keeping up to date of the subjects raised here they can easily find coverage by going to the following websites that I've often cited in entries above.

The Bangkok Post has been trying to provide objective coverage of both sides of the debate. It has even dispatched a video team to the scene of some demonstrations.

https://www.bangkokpost.com

Perhaps the most conservative of the mainstream media, The Nation (Nation Multimedia) has spread its wings as it attempts to provide broader coverage. It also operates the Thai Visa website.

https://www.nationthailand.com

The Thaiger covers events by including snippets from other media in a daily digest of news but occasionally adds its own version. If something happened in Thailand overnight, the Thaiger is good source to quickly come up to speed.

https://thethaiger.com

The Thai Enquirer, a publication of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT), presents a Monday-Friday daily news summary that covers all aspects of Thai news in detail. For news junkies like myself, this is a must read.

https://www.thaienquirer.com/category/main-news/

Channel News Asia (out of Singapore) has a correspondent on the ground in Bangkok who provides objective and insightful coverage.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/international

Khaosod English has distinguished itself not only through its website, but via the live Facebook coverage of the demonstrations by a team of two reporters. In my opinion, their work is unmatched by their dedication--and personal risks they take--to keep their viewers informed.

https://www.khaosodenglish.com

https://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

It's my hope that interested readers will access their choice of the above sites for updates news about the country that has become close to our hearts. Better yet, maybe you'll recommend articles going forward. It has been my honor to contribute to this thread since it began its run four months ago.

[vinapu]

33 minutes ago, reader said:

It has been my honor to contribute to this thread since it began its run four months ago.

and you are doing excellent job to keep us updated thank you very much

[ggobkk]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

and you are doing excellent job to keep us updated thank you very much

I agree with Vinapu...thanks, reader

[reader]

From The Nation

Solution fired at protesters contained 4 types of tear gas

A sample of the solution police fired at pro-democracy protesters on Tuesday has tested positive for four different chemicals which burn the eyes and skin.

Riot police fired the solution from water cannons at Kiak Kai Intersection, during a confrontation with protesters who were seeking to rally outside Parliament on the first day of charter-change deliberations.

Protesters and journalists hit by the solution suffered stinging eyes and skin, as well as breathing problems. Many needed hospital treatment.

On Friday, Weerachai Phutdhawong, a Kasetsart University chemistry professor, announced results of his analysis of a sample of the solution used on Tuesday.

The results showed five chemicals, as well as a dye that turned the solution purple.

The five substances were dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-Chlorobenzaldehyde, 2-Chlorobenzyl alcohol, 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, and o-Chlorobenzylmalononitrile.

The first in the list was a solvent for the chemical mixture, said Weerachai.

The other four all belong to the tear gas group of chemicals, he said.

======================================================

From Bangkok Post

'Bad Students' gather at Siam BTS

Protesters wearing dinosaur costumes try to flee from an approaching inflatable asteroid at the Bad Student rally at the Siam BTS station on Saturday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

Young “Bad Student” activists gathered on Saturday beneath the Siam BTS skytrain station, a day after it was revealed that two of their teenaged leaders were facing charges for taking part in protests.

The demonstrators sheltered under the skytrain platform in front of the Siam Paragon shopping centre after rain forced them to change the rally venue from the nearby Ratchaprasong intersection.

Police confirmed that organisers of the rally had informed them about their activity, which was given permission to go ahead. It was expected to end around 9pm.

“#Bye bye dinosaurs” was the theme of the event that was publicised on the Bad Student Facebook page.

“If parliament cast in the role of ‘dinosaur’ rejects and refuses changes, students like us will be the meteorite that collides with the backwardness of senior figures in society,” another message read. “As our calls for educational reforms are being ignored, see us at the Ratchaprasong intersection on Nov 21. Students will talk about all the things the dinosaurs don’t want to hear!”

In keeping with the theme, participants dressed in dinosaur costumes were being pelted by inflatable meteorites launched at them from the crowd.

[reader]

From The Nation

No end in sight as both sides refuse to shift their stance

Thai politics has arrived at a dead end as neither side shows any sign of stepping away from the tug-of-war they have been playing for nearly five months.

 Analysts say the dispute between the powers-that-be and the anti-establishment movement will be prolonged, with no reconciliation in sight. Some don’t rule out the possibility of a coup as the last resort, though others predict that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will stay in power until his term ends in 2023.

 

The anti-establishment movement has been rallying since July, demanding that Prayut and his government step down, the junta-endorsed Constitution be rewritten and the monarchy reformed.

They are escalating their protests to a point of no return and “shattering the ceiling” by challenging the monarchy, observers say.

Analysts have proposed non-violent routes out of the conflict, such as peace talks, but each side has refused because the stakes are too high for both. Moves to set up a reconciliation committee are also likely to fail, as protesters have boycotted the panel.

Many observers now warn of possible clashes and violence if the student-led protesters refuse to lower their demands, especially their call for monarchy reforms. There is also concern that if things get out of control, the government will impose martial law or even be ousted by the Army.

Yuthaporn Issarachai, a political scientist from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, says the escalation of protests brings an increasing likelihood of violent clashes and bloodshed.

The potential for serious violence was seen soon after protesters began dispersing on Wednesday (November 25), when two men were shot and critically wounded, though the shooting’s connection to the rally remains unclear. The rally for monarchy reform was being held outside the headquarters of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. His Majesty the King is the major shareholder in the bank.

A week earlier, more than 50 demonstrators sustained injuries, including six with gunshot wounds, during a rally outside Parliament on November 17, when police directed water cannon and tear gas at protesters and skirmishes broke out between royalists and pro-democracy protesters – the first major clash between the two rival sides.

Yuthaporn fears that clashes and the PM’s vow to enforce “all pertaining laws” may lead to a “severe” state of emergency, followed by martial law and finally a military coup. He said a coup would be a last resort if clashes between royalists and anti-establishment protesters cause massive injuries and even deaths.

The pundit believes a military takeover is a real possibility, given Thailand does not have an established democracy and the Army’s structure leaves the door open for a putsch. However, it would only make things worse, he added.

“Staging a coup may be the last resort [to solve the stalemate], but it won’t end the political crisis. Instead it will intensify the situation, as protesters have made it clear they won’t accept a coup or national unity government,” Yuthaporn said.

[TotallyOz]

It is fascinating being in Bangkok right now. I am no where near the center of the city and yet I see protests on a regular basis near my condo. It is very odd to see. They are all peaceful that I see and I hear them from my window and open up and see thousands in the streets with motorcycles beeping their horns and protesters marching peacefully.

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Twitter suspends royalist account linked to influence campaign

Twitter has suspended a pro-royalist account linked to the palace that a Reuters analysis found was connected to thousands of others created in recent weeks spreading posts in favour of His Majesty the King and the monarchy.

The Reuters review found tens of thousands of tweets that an expert said appeared to be from accounts amplifying royalist messaging in a push to counter a months-long protest movement that has swelled from opposing the government to breaking a longstanding taboo by challenging the monarchy.

Internal army training documents reviewed by Reuters showed evidence of a coordinated information campaign designed to spread favourable information and discredit opponents.

The pro-monarchy @jitarsa_school account was suspended after Reuters sought comment on Wednesday from Twitter on the recent royalist campaign on the social media platform, where protesters have long had a strong presence.

Created in September, the @jitarsa_school account had more than 48,000 followers before its suspension.

"The account in question was suspended for violating our rules on spam and platform manipulation," a Twitter representative said on Sunday. She said the suspension was in line with the company's policies and not a result of the Reuters request for comment.

 

[reader]

From the AP, the Thaiger and The Nation

Protesters gather at Bangkok’s United Nations

Pro-democracy demonstrators in Bangkok marked United Nations Human Rights Day on Thursday with rallies calling for the abolition of Thailand's strict royal defamation law, which was recently revived to prosecute more than 20 of the protest movement's leaders.

Bangkok police have advised motorists to avoid routes around the United Nations building located on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue in Phra Nakhon district on Thursday due to a planned political protest on Constitution Day.

Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, one of the leaders, submitted a letter to the United Nations on Thursday urging it to pressure the Thai government to stop using Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, which forbids defamation of key members of the monarchy.

Thursday's protests also coincided with Thailand's Constitution Day, a national holiday marking the country's adoption of its first constitution in 1932, which meant that many offices in the city were closed. The demonstrations drew significantly smaller crowds than other recent rallies, which have attracted tens of thousands of participants.

Ahead of Thursday's protests, government security officials erected barricades using shipping containers and barbed wire, and police were deployed to prevent any possible move toward Chitralada Palace, the residence of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

By early afternoon the group that gathered outside the UN building had moved to join another one rallying beside a memorial to protesters killed by security forces in 1973.

The royal defamation law had not been enforced for three years after King Maha Vajiralongkorn informed the government that he did not wish to see its use. But according to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, 23 people have been charged under the law since Prayuth said last month that it would be among those used against demonstrators going forward.

Many activists are now using the hashtag on social media #abolish112 to call for the end to the lèse majesté law which is Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code. Those who break the law face 3 to 15 years in prison.

 

[reader]

From Channel News Asia

Thai protesters to pause for now and return next year

BANGKOK: Thai protesters will take a break and return stronger next year, one protest leader said on Monday (Dec 14) after months of demonstrations to remove the government and to demand reforms to curb the monarchy's powers.

"This year has been just an overture," said Arnon Nampa, a rights lawyer who has become one of the most prominent faces of a movement that has posed the biggest challenge to the Thai establishment in years.

"We'll take a break during New Year's holidays and will come back next year with more intensity and bigger turnout," Arnon told reporters at a police station, where he reported to face charges related to his involvement in the protests.

Thailand's youth-led protest movement initially sought the removal of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, accusing him of engineering last year's election to keep hold of power he had seized in a 2014 coup. He says the vote was fair.

[reader]

Little has been heard from the protests leaders since mid-December. The Covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings, together with some internal disputes, have kept them out of the headlines for the past month.

From Khaosod English

Arnon: Street Protests Deferred To Mid Year Due to COVID-19

BANGKOK — Large protests seeking the government’s ousting and monarchy reforms will likely be put on hold until the middle of 2021 due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, pro-democracy movement leader Arnon Nampa said Tuesday.

Arnon’s statement drew mixed responses from his supporters after he posted it on his Facebook, though the activist maintained that it was his personal view. He suggested that certain political activities will continue without having to mobilize people onto the streets.

“We are caught by COVID-19,” Arnon, a lawyer by trade, said in an interview. “So we will carry out other activities without rally first.”

Asked if he is concerned that the movement may lose its relevance, Arnon said no.

“It’s not going to peter out. It has become an issue already,” he said of the movement, which demands PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s resignation, a more democratic charter, and reforms of the monarchy.

Arnon is one of the activists behind street protests that rocked Bangkok in the latter half of 2020. Many rallies drew at least 10,000 participants, many of them students and young people.

His fellow activist Ekachai Hongkanwan said he was surprised by the announcement, and expressed his worries that suspending the protests could risk losing the momentum.

“It’s strange. He probably thought it’s due to COVID-19 but I kind of disagree,” said Ekachai, who believes protests should be called whenever there are serious issues.

Ekachai also said many large protests held last year did not lead to any known infections.

“I will continue to carry out a one-man protest when an issue arises. I don’t care whether there’s COVID-19 or not,” he said.

Somyot Prueksakasemsum, another protest leader, said Arnon was merely giving an estimate of when a large protest can take place again, and the timing is not set in stone.

“I think once COVID-19 subsides, we should be able to protest right away,” Somyot said on the phone Tuesday.

Citing the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak, the government on Thursday banned all public assemblies that may “lead to congestion that pose a risk of spreading the disease.” Violators face up to two years in prison and a fine of 40,000 baht.