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In Thailand, after renewed demonstrations, the government has banned the gathering of anti-government protests. In addition, the dissemination of news was restricted. There were numerous arrests.
In Thailand, the government of former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Chaden, faced with massive protests, has declared a state of emergency. Thus, the meetings of more than four people in the capital, Bangkok, as well as the publication of messages on the Internet, “that may harm national security” have been prohibited.
The day before, thousands of people demonstrated again against the government in Bangkok. As part of the state of emergency, “unconstitutional” protests would be banned, the government spokesman said. The authorities have also been empowered to seize communications equipment, data and weapons if they are suspected of contributing to the current “emergency situation”.
Hong Kong Democratic Protests Model
It was unclear if another massive rally planned for Thursday would take place. The police warned that opponents of the government would not be allowed to assemble and be arrested. Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with rioting since the protests began in July.
The youth-led pro-democracy protest movement calls for the resignation of the government and an open debate on the role of the monarchy in Thailand. The protesters, some of whom were inspired by the Hong Kong democracy movement, are also calling for the abolition of a law that provides draconian penalties for criticizing the royal family.
Criticisms of the royal family
On Wednesday, thousands of protesters gathered around the democracy monument in Bangkok before a caravan with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family passed by in the afternoon. Later, the police excluded most of the protesters from the route of the royal column.
Dozens of them were still present when the column passed. Queen Suthida could be seen staring out the window of her limousine as protesters extended three fingers; the gesture is taken from the film series “The Hunger Games” and an expression of pro-democracy protest. Such overt expressions of protest against the royal family are completely new in Thailand. The monarch is the most powerful figure in the Southeast Asian country and has the support of the military and billionaire families.
