Thailand's Ban On Gathering Did Not Dread Anti-Government Demonstrators

Demonstration at Democracy Monument, Bangkok (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The repressiveness of the Thai government has not dampened the demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to resign. Although the government has issued a ban on gathering more than five people or more, tens of thousands of demonstrators still took to the streets of Bangkok.

"I'm not afraid. Emergency or not, I don't have freedom," said one of the demonstrators Thanatpohn Dejkunchorn, who left work early to attend a protest with his friends. "I want freedom in this country. I want to be free from the vicious circle. this, "he was quoted by Reuters .

This demonstration has been going on since mid-July. This is Thailand's biggest political test in years.

"We have to create understanding with the protesters," said government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri. He complained that the leaders of the demonstration did not provide complete information to the protesting masses.

At first, the government let the demonstrations take place. But everything changed when protesters stopped and jeered Queen Suthida's motorcade as she and the new king arrived from Europe, where they spend most of their time, despite the country's crisis.

After the event, issued an emergency decree citing it as well as the risks to national security and the economy from the protests. The government also stated the danger of spreading COVID-19 as a reason for issuing an emergency decree.

The Thai government seems increasingly repressive. One of these can be seen from the statement of the local police who will arrest all the protesters, although they did not explain how they will prosecute tens of thousands of people.

The government action grew harsher when it swept through a camp of protesters set up outside PM Prayuth's office. The authorities arrested at least three leaders of the action. Meanwhile, in the past week, there were 40 arrests recorded.

"It is clear that the state wants to use excessive and unnecessary power on the people," said Pattanun Arunpreechawat, a 22-year-old student, who joined the protest.

Demand monarchy reform

As is known, the Thai protesters demanded PM Prayuth, who first took power in a coup in 2014, to resign. Demonstrators believe Prayuth fabricated last year's election rules to defend his position. However, Prayuth denied this accusation.

In addition, the protesters have also demanded things that are considered taboo so far. They demanded changes to the constitution and reforms the monarchy system that has been followed by Thailand.

The demonstrators gathered in the shadows of upscale shopping malls and shiny tower blocks that are home to multinational companies and businesses. Apart from that, the protesters also gathered at Ratchaprasong Intersection, which has historical value for the protesters.

In 2010, the monument was a witness to the bloodshed by protesters. The incident occurred as security forces cracked down on the Red Shirts - backers of ousted military Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - who were fighting the pro-royal Yellow Shirts.