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Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday (10/15/2020). They oppose the massive dissolution action of the government to block pro-democracy actions.
Early in the morning, the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha declared a state of emergency. More than 20 activists were arrested.
The protesters chanted “Prayut Go” and “Free our friends.” Protesters filled the Ratchaprasong area, despite the state of emergency banning gatherings of more than four people.
 Photo: AP / Gemunu AmarasinghePro-democracy protesters wave three fingers during a protest while occupying a main street in the central business district of Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. The government of Thailand declared a strict new state of emergency for the capital. One day after a student-led protest against the country’s traditional system, there was an extraordinary moment when protesters disrupted a royal caravan. (AP Photo / Gemunu Amarasinghe) |
“They push us into a corner like dogs,” shouted one of the activist leaders, Panupong Jadnok, in his speech.
“And with our backs to the wall, we will retaliate without causing harm.”
Students are also using social media to encourage people to go outside. Not only the students, the high school students also participated in the demonstration by covering the uniform labels with duct tape.
“I want democracy in this country,” said one of the students, Katherine, 13.
“I want to be part of the great change.”
Meanwhile, the police estimated that 10,000 protesters were present. Police also tried to disperse the crowd at 10pm WIB.
“All those who gathered today, their actions are against the law,” deputy police spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen told AFP.
Thailand’s tense political situation has been going on since August. Where the masses yelled at the Prime Minister of Thailand to resign and reform the kingdom.
The Thai government considers itself authoritarian. The masses also called for restrictions on the power of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Activists chanted the wish that the monarchy adapt to modern times. This includes removing the royal defamation law, which protects the king from criticism, and asks the king not to get involved in politics.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s top activist broadcast his arrest live on social media Facebook. Anon Numpa, a prominent activist, said he was forcibly taken by helicopter to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
“Without my lawyer,” he said.
Critical situation
The main opposition figure, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, warns of the dire situation. He called for the detainees to be released.
“The government must immediately find a way to respond to the demands of the protesters, otherwise the situation will spread throughout the country,” he said on the same website.
There have been several popular uprisings in the history of Thailand. Including the coup of 1932. But everything has to do with the government and not with the kingdom.
The opposition to the monarchy was unprecedented. Because the influence of the royal family permeates all aspects of society.
However, since he replaced King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016, several moves towards the kingdom have emerged. The transfer of wealth from the independent Crown Property Office (CPB) and the organization of Thai companies into the king’s estate have been criticized.
Raja Maha himself spent most of his time in Europe. But this week, he is in Thailand for the annual Buddhist ceremony and the anniversary of his father’s death.
Thailand itself has been affected by the corona (Covid-19). The economy entered a recession, as a result of negative GDP for two consecutive quarters. In the first quarter on a (YoY) basis, the economy was -2%. In the second quarter, the economy -12.2%.
(Head to head)
