JAKARTA - Thousands of anti-government demonstrators from Thailand poured into the streets of the capital city of Bangkok, demanding constitutional changes, an end to the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and calling for monarchical reform. The mass wave that continues to press, has made the Thai government issue a ban so that its citizens do not gather more than five people or more and publish news or online messages that can endanger national security.
After the regulations were implemented, the authorities have arrested two leaders of anti-government protests, Arnon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok, said the group of Thai Human Rights Lawyers quoted by The Guardian , Thursday, October 15.
"The authorities arrested Arnon and Panupong at 5 am," said the rights group, explaining that Arnon was arrested for his speech in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, the reason for Panupong's arrest is still unclear. Then student leader Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul is seen being carried away by police in a wheelchair as he salutes a three-finger salute to pro-democracy campaigners.
Protests in Thailand continued to escalate for three months until some even set up camp outside the office of Thai Prime Minister (PM) Prayuth Chan-ocha, demanding that he resign from office. The government says it has taken action after demonstrators blocked the royal motorcade.
"It is imperative to introduce urgent action to end this situation effectively and immediately in order to maintain peace and order," state television announced.
In the announcement, the government outlined new regulations, including an appeal not to hold large meetings. In addition, the government also prohibits people from entering areas that have been determined by the government.
In addition, the government has also prohibited publications that could threaten national stability. "The publication of news, other media and electronic information that contains messages that can cause fear or deliberately distort information, creates misunderstandings that will affect national security or peace and order," the government announced.
Demanding monarchical reform
Tens of thousands of protesters have staged demonstrations in Bangkok since Wednesday 14 October. Protesters occupying a room outside PM Prayuth's Bangkok office were released by police on Thursday morning, an eye witness said.
The protest movement aims to remove Prayuth, who took power in a 2014 coup meant to end a decade of violence between supporters and opponents of the country's founding. Those taking to the streets also want a new constitution and are calling for a reduction in the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Protesters chanted in the king's motorcade on Tuesday, October 13 after the arrest of 21 protesters. On Wednesday, several protesters slowed down the convoy carrying Queen Suthida, saluted three fingers and chanted "get out" at the police protecting the vehicle.
Experts say this week could be a pivotal moment for the ongoing protest movement in Thailand calling for a new constitution, the dissolution of parliament and the resignation of PM Prayuth. The protests are also a form of hope for an end to intimidation of government critics.
Protest leaders also expected large numbers of protesters, but there were questions about whether they would continue to push hard for monarchical reforms and whether people would take to the streets during the rainy season in October. October is also a sensitive time as it commemorates the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and marks the anniversary of the 1973 mass uprising against military dictatorship.
"I hope the government will control this protest very hard," said Punchada Sirivunnabood, professor of politics at Mahidol University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.
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