Thailand: Pro-Democracy Protesters Rally in Bangkok Again
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2020
- Bangkok (AP) -- Pro-democracy demonstrators in Thailand, undeterred by arrest warrants and the possibility of violent attacks, staged another rally on Friday, poking fun at their critics and warning of the possibility of a military coup.
The potential for violence was illustrated after their last rally on Wednesday, when in the hours after it ended, two men were reportedly shot and critically wounded. Although the incident remains murky and its connection to the rally unclear, it was a reminder that the student protesters are vulnerable, especially because of the passions they inspire among some of their opponents.
The protest movement’s core demands are for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended to be more democratic, and the monarchy to be reformed to make it more accountable.
Their demand concerning the monarchy is the most controversial and earns them the most enemies. The royal institution by law and tradition is virtually untouchable, and regarded by many as the bedrock of national identity. The military has declared defense of the monarchy to be among its foremost duties.
The protest leaders believe that King Maha Vajiralongkorn holds more power than is appropriate under a constitutional monarchy, and have made that the centerpiece of their campaigning in recent weeks. Although any criticism of the monarchy used to be taboo, speeches at the rallies - as well as signs and chants __ include caustic words about the king and the palace.
In response, Thai authorities this past week escalated their legal battle against protest leaders, charging 12 of them with violating a harsh law against defaming the monarchy. The lese majeste law carries a penalty of three to 15 years' imprisonment, but has not been used for the past three years.
Historically, defending the monarchy has been abused for political reasons. It has also triggered violence, most notably in 1976, when it led to the killings of dozens of students at a university protest against the return from exile of an ousted military dictator. That event was the trigger for a coup, and since then Thailand has had successful coups in 1977, 1991, 2006 and 2014.
There is concern that if the government feels it cannot control the protests, which show little sign of abating, it may impose martial law or be ousted by the army in a coup.
Some speakers on Friday evening urged the crowd to take measures to resist any coup that might be launched.
Panupong “Mike Rayong” Jadnok urged both symbolic and actual resistance in case the military tried a takeover. “If a coup is staged, please tie a white ribbon in front of your house. If they take it away, we will just tie one back on again,” he said.
He said people should also abandon their cars in the road, declaring that “A coup cannot be achieved again as long as we come out and seize every intersection across the country.”
Resisting any coup attempt was the nominal theme of the rally, which began in a festival-like atmosphere that has marked many of the protest events. Oversized inflatable yellow rubber ducks that became icons of the movement after they were used as shields against police water cannons were joined by balloons in the image of silvery space aliens. The balloons are displayed to mock accusations that foreigners - “aliens” - fund and direct the protest movement.
Earlier Friday, in another sign that the government was stiffening its crackdown, a television commentator who has been covering the protests said he had been summoned by police to face a charge of violating an emergency decree banning the rallies that was temporarily in force in October. The decree was ignored by protesters, with little attempt at enforcement.
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The duckie is meaning peace fight with dictator
سلام من
👏👏👏👏
Only a matter of time before the tanks roll in.
Home of the Creative Protest - Thailand
Both Belarus and Thailand protests are very nice....Non-violent protests are so soothing, I like watching a few of these videos before going to sleep~
اقا سلام من کانال آمد کی بود من سخس م
شما کی هستدی
The duck is the snow bird it flys south for the winter and the three fingers is a respectful freedom! The more respect is demanded the more disrespect their will be because we’re all sinners and no body has a right to demand respect! Only those closest to God are or can be kings because the will of God demands it! Children need example and it needs to be good example! Absolute power corrupts absolutely!
BLM take notes bro....
🙏Within a gentle reminder, after the world war ll, Thailand nation are poor and the monarchy are broke. An elder holy monk came by the palace, and conveys that he was guided by the buddha. To locate the ancestor wealth and treasure. Eventually they got it. And now..to Thailand with love.
Hence, Thai monarchy wealth are not from the tax payer money. Tax payer money, providing good cause to governor are digest for education, security, peace and safety nets for the community.
Within the monarchy heritage assets:- multi-billions are funded for agricultural, reservoir, roads and industrialization. Mythically amply with neighbour country, not to elaborate.
Consort Sineenat board my private cab, mobbing me and knocking my car door for being unreactive and non abidance. I am thankful with her motion, she awaken me. She is marvelous. Year 2020 is the beginning of werid and world natural calamity within some years to bear with. New "intend" are advise to heed due to covid-19 and major lockdown.
Demostration and protest throughout pandemic are certainly dangerous act, open your arms to foreign threat's. Execute by belting ourselves with truthful and kindness and wiseful with endurance shall be bless.
I knew king Maha as a quiet and noble gentleman. Surely, he isn't involved with this word "activists". Timing and wariness shall reveal. Not from scandalous gossip.
Girls bodyguard are deploy during his qurantine.
My humble address to governor, your highness and majesty.
Cushioning may need for the peasant to reduce their hardship for pandemic impact.
Your passionate are impressive.
Consort Sineenat recommendable with this task and I am available be her participatory.
Regards, a scholar presented from king of Thailand.
سلام دستورامهمل های