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The atmosphere in Thailand is explosive. After renewed demonstrations, the government declared a state of emergency. This means that gatherings of more than four people in the capital, Bangkok, and the posting of messages on the Internet that “may affect national security” are prohibited. The authorities are also authorized to seize mobile phones, weapons and data.
In Thailand, a pro-democracy protest movement calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (66) and an open debate on the monarchy. King Maha Vajiralongkorn (68) lives mainly in a villa on Lake Starnberg in the German state of Bavaria, where he allows himself a dissolute life at the expense of his taxpayers. He also travels often to Switzerland, among other things, he has been seen on a bike tour near Lucerne.
Above all, young Thais call for the abolition of draconian penalties for criticizing the royal family. Anyone who insults the monarchy can expect up to 15 years in prison. The young protesters were inspired by the Hong Kong democracy movement.
Three fingers against the king
Thousands of protesters gathered at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok on Wednesday. When the caravan with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family passed and Queen Suthida (42) looked out the window of the limousine, the protesters extended three fingers. They are a symbol of the film series “The Hunger Games” and an expression of democratic protest.
Another sign of protest is the greeting. The protesters are parodying their king, who was once greeted by the Royal Thai Airways crew at Munich airport with a bare stomach and tattooed arms.
These open rallies were previously taboo in strict Thailand. The students were arrested for raising all three fingers.
On Tuesday there were commemorations across the country for King Bhumibol (1927-2016), who died four years ago. Unlike his son, the popular monarch was still worshiped almost as a god.
Student driving force
One of the promoters of the protests is Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, a 22-year-old student. In an interview with the ARD “Tagesschau” she said: “Unlike his father, the current king is very unpopular. And now we have the Internet, where you can find all the information about his strange life in Germany. “The more people talk about it, the less fear of consequences.
Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul: “We don’t want to abolish the monarchy, but it should be like in Britain, where you can talk openly about the royal family.” (gf)
