The Thailand Protests: Fighting for Democracy

Previously published Feb. 4, 2021

What are the protests? Why are Thai citizens protesting?

Currently, in Thailand, pro-democracy student-led protests are taking place. Thailand has historically gone back and forth between an almost democratic and military dictatorship. Right now, it’s a dictatorship. The prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha arrested multiple protesters, called a state of emergency, and repeatedly sided with the monarch of Thailand, King Vajiralongkorn. King Vajiralongkorn is extremely wealthy and usually spends most of his time in Germany rather than Thailand which angers the citizens. In addition to this, the government executed the Lese Majeste Laws, which restrict the citizens’ free speech regarding the monarchy. The students protesting strongly opposed the dictatorship of the current Thai government with its restrictions of free speech and the elite’s strong relationship with the military. These protests were first organized under the Free Youth group. People joining the protests seek to achieve three actions to be taken by the government: the dissolution of the House, freedom of speech, and a new constitution.

How are these protests taking place?

The Thai protesters are taking pointers from the Hong Kong protests. First, the protests don’t have an official leader. This is significant because the government won’t be able to target or arrest just one person as multiple people are joining forces to lead the movement. Another interesting aspect of these protests is that social media platforms, such as Telegram, are being used to help people collectively strategize where and when the safest way to protest would be. The Thai government has tried to block Telegram, although this won’t matter much, because various other social media platforms could be used instead. For example, the Free Youth group used Facebook to check in with participants about when to take breaks. For safety purposes, after their microphones and loudspeakers were confiscated, activists created a hand signaling system in order to convey certain messages such as someone getting injured, if someone needed a helmet, and warnings to disperse. These signals originated in Hong Kong and have proven to be very effective methods of communication.

“Pro-democracy protesters attend a rally to demand the government to resign, to dissolve the parliament and to hold new elections under a revised constitution, near the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, August 16, 2020. (Reuters)” – TRTWorld

How to show support for Thailand

Linked below is a website that will help you find what you can do for Thailand:
https://coconet.social/2020/thailand-protest-resources-international/

It includes information on which hashtags to use and other articles you can read to further educate yourself.

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