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BANGKOK: Hundreds of Thai protesters gathered in Bangkok on Wednesday to demand the release of four activists detained on remand on charges of insulting the King of Thailand, a crime punishable by 15 years in prison.
Many protesters banged on pots and pans, borrowing from nightly demonstrations of discontent in neighboring Myanmar over last week’s coup, while some held Myanmar flags to show support for the country’s pro-democracy movement.
The Bangkok rally had originally been organized to stand alone with protesters in Myanmar, but turned into calls to change or end the strict “lese majesty” law after the four activists were arrested on Tuesday.
Protesters gather to beat pots and pans during a rally demanding the resignation of the prime minister and reforms to the monarchy, in the business district of Bangkok, Thailand, on February 10, 2021 (Photo: Reuters / Athit Perawongmetha).
Riot police briefly clashed with protesters when activists marched near a police station. A smoke canister was seen on the ground near the protest site.
“If we take to the streets by the hundreds of thousands, we can reform the monarchy,” said protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul.
Youth-led protests in Thailand last year broke traditional taboos by openly calling for reform of the powerful monarchy and the denial of bail to the four protest leaders prosecuted for actual insults has angered activists.
Protesters grab a shield during a clash with riot police at a rally demanding an end to Thailand’s royal defamation law in Bangkok on February 10, 2021 (Photo: AFP / Jack Taylor).
About 1,000 protesters had gathered by nightfall, some holding signs that read “free our friends” and “abolish 112,” in reference to the article in the penal code that covers actual insults. Others hit metal saucepans with the number 112.
Some 44 opposition lawmakers presented a proposal to amend the article on Wednesday.
The protest leaders declared the rally a resumption of last year’s street demonstrations, which were interrupted by a second wave of coronavirus infections that has multiplied Thailand’s cases by five since mid-December.
A protester aims a laser at riot police during clashes as activists hold a rally demanding an end to Thailand’s royal defamation law in Bangkok on February 10, 2021 (Photo: AFP / Jack Taylor).
“Today is the first meeting, the first opening and a battle after an unjust system incarcerated our friends,” said Panupong Jadnok, a leader of the protest.
They renewed last year’s three demands: overthrow Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, rewrite the military-backed constitution, and reform the monarchy.
Panupong said the events in Myanmar should inspire the Thai movement.
Prayut, who led a coup in 2014, said the return of the protests will hurt Thailand.
“Is it appropriate? If it isn’t, then don’t go supporting them. Haven’t we had enough in Thailand?” he said.
