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Despite the government's attempts to obscure it as much as possible, you could hardly miss it, especially in recent weeks and days: the ever-widening wave of protests for more democracy in Thailand.
I used to be, in another life myself, quite an engaged youth who used to demonstrate very inventively or take action in other ways, but I readily admit that I am more than charmed by the way in which the young Thai generation has acted in a very creative way. and satirical way to popular culture grapples with politics statement and enforce their demands. They can hardly be anything but creative, because as long as the state of emergency that was declared across the entire territory in response to the corona crisis applies, all demonstrations in the country are officially banned.
So it is absolutely no coincidence that the catchy song 'Do you hear the people sing?', with or without Thai lyrics, has quickly become the anthem of the protesters. Originally it was a hit from the musical composed in 1980 by Claude-Michel Schönberg 'Les Miserables'. The melomaniacs among us soon forget that 'Les Miserables' is based on the novel of the same name published in 1861 by the convinced republican and socially committed author Victor Hugo. He had been working for twenty years on this ambitious novel, which at the time played an important role in the debates about social reform in France. Against the backdrop of the 1832 revolution, Hugo stood up for the pariahs in the 19e century Paris in the form of a flaming indictment of society directed by reactionary forces and its "ruthless laws." The parallel with Thailand in 2020 is not far to seek… The demonstrators in Thailand were undoubtedly also inspired by the umbrella movement which originated in Hong Kong in 2014 in protest against Beijing's relentless interference in the former British crown colony. As with the protests in 2019, the demonstrators invariably took to the streets to the tune of “Do you hear the people sing?'
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In recent weeks, demonstrators have appeared in Bangkok, dressed in Hogwarts gowns or with scarves in the colors of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, furiously waving magic wands. The magical appearance of demonstrators adorned with Harry Potter attributes is, in the eyes of most farang perhaps very bizarre but again absolutely no coincidence. They make the link between the damned Lord Voldemort, and the Thai head of state,”whose name may not be mentioned”. It's a subtle but very effective way of avoiding the rigorous lese majste– to criticize and circumvent legislation. With Article 112 of the criminal code, Thailand has a strong stick behind the door to severely punish any overt and covert criticism of the monarch or the dynasty. As early as 1908, the legally very broad concept of 'insulting' the head of state was criminalized. In 1957 it was even aggravated to a 'crime against the security of the state'. A crime that, since the last amendment to the law in 1976, carries a prison sentence of three to fifteen years for each charge retained by the court….
And the Thai protest is not limited to Harry Potter in terms of cinematic reminiscences. Earlier, protesters against the Prayut government also wore the white Guy Fawkes masks that were popularized by the film V for Vendetta from 2005. A film that tells about the resistance of the anonymous V against the authoritarian Norsefireregime, which came to power in Britain thanks to the chaos that arose after a virus wiped out the population… And then of course I'm not talking about the very quickly adapted custom of raising the three middle fingers of the right hand. A protest gesture that was taken from the wildly popular and filmed 'The Hunger Games'trilogy by Suzanne Collins in which the young heroine Katniss takes on the autocratic ruling President Snow of Panem.
I'm already curious when the first Charlie Chaplin's will appear at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Or would'The great Dictator' which was shot in 1940, are too dated for the often (very) young demonstrators…?
The creativity is indeed great and of course quite a bit can be changed, but in my humble opinion you should not expect too much from it.
The sitting power with all the people in the background will only allow small changes and every year that will change little by little if protests keep coming.
Because of social media, the use of violence is increasingly difficult to defend against the watching outside world, but there is a point that an "elected" government may set limits and will say that it is a domestic matter. I still hold on to a period of 35 years, which means that around 2035 there will be another democracy, but I doubt whether that will help the country move forward.
Also in ASEAN context you should not want to become the country where all fortune hunters want to come because it is so fantastically organized. Read Thailand as EU and there is the same kind of policy.
In the late summer of my life I look at it and wonder whether the unleaded students have made all this up themselves or whether there is some form of support from a man from Dubai with a connection to Mrs. To Be Number One who was openly pointed out by her brother not to participate in the last election.
In such cases I see my own role and that is that I am a number and therefore better concentrate on what I am good at and that is making money. If a Thai doesn't do it then I will because waiting doesn't help much.
That brother and the gentleman from Dubai have been good friends for years (and help each other, such as with a seized plane in Germany a few years ago), so your story is not true.
The students could and should know that but focus on the wrong person. As a result, they find themselves on the wrong side of the solution, and their opponents become accomplices.
The lifestyle of brother is not unusual in those circles (Prince Charles, Prince Harry, King Albert, King Juan Carlos, the late Prince Bernhard, Prince Albert of Monaco, many a sheik in the Middle East) but the people don't really care to. It won't make you popular, but that's not what the students care about. Many elected presidents (the late Kennedy, Trump, Duterte, the late Mugabe, the late Castro, the late Mitterand, the late Chirac, the late Sukarno, Putin) are the same suit. And I'm not even talking about world-famous pop stars and athletes.
Funny that you compare, and perhaps condone, brother's lifestyle with the lifestyle of all those other persons mentioned after that. You're very right. And do you understand why those students are protesting? No, I do not think so.
It's not about the person, Chris. You're seeing it all wrong. It is about the role of that person in the political system. The 10 demands ask to bring that brother under the constitution and to make it negotiable.
Have you heard all those students in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and the Middle East protesting all the time?
That brother and his function are mentioned in the constitution and so he falls under the constitution. Equal or not?
Of course. And that brother has done some acts that are not constitutional.
which one then?
This is my last comment here.
After the constitution was adopted in a referendum in 2016, the head of state changed the text so that a regent has to be appointed if he is abroad. He has also taken possessions belonging to the head of state as a person.
Sorry, sent too soon.
'…so that no regent need be appointed…'
It is of course about the person, otherwise his lifestyle would have been disregarded. And it is about that person and other members of the monarchy dealing with their functions and that is highly personal. Not a single letter in any law changes that. Just as the unethical behavior of politicians cannot be remedied with a law.
Too many people, including the students, think that laws solve these things, but one of the biggest problems in Thailand is unethical behavior, attitude or idea of what is right and wrong, and not just from politicians.
Unethical behavior can be partly overcome by transparency and accountability. If MPs, members of the house, management, etc. have to provide insight into their actions and can be held accountable for this with consequences (for example voting out, removing, depriving things temporarily or permanently, etc.), something can be done about unethical actions.
Rob, THE problem is that the Thais have a different view on what is ethical or unethical than you and me.
While the majority of Thais believe that corruption is legal if you stand out well yourself, this country still has a very, very long way to go.
You conveniently ignore my main point, which is that the brother and the man in Dubai are not opposed at all.
If you're right, so what?
Then the reasoning of the students is based on quicksand.
Well worded article. We can only hope that if the protests lead to elections, they will not cause major riots between Yellow and Red again. If so, they will give the Militiren another excuse to bring peace and order under dictatorship.
I'm afraid these protests won't get much done.
If something really wants to be changed, a major popular uprising will have to take place.
This will of course be accompanied by bloodshed and many deaths.
Just think back to Romania as an example when the regime of Nicolae Ceausescu was overthrown. Part of the army stood behind the demonstrators.
And how did things go in the Philippines with the Marcos regime.
Jan Beute.
Only a few protests by students in Bangkok and other cities will have little effect. Some promises are made by Prayuth that they will talk about amending the constitution (with the exception of everything related to the monarchy), but there is also some doubt about that. The March 2019 elections were not free and most readers here will know that they were democratic, yet the Democrats entered this monster parliament (with a fully democratic senate in the background), promising to do something about the constitution from the inside out . Nothing came of that. It is logical that you now also hear enough noises that this regime really does not want to make real changes. The whole reason for the 'Bangkok shutdown' and military intervention was because the elite can't accept that the people vote for the 'wrong' representatives in the senate and parliament.
So I can understand that there are also voices that say that some small changes to the constitution are not enough, that a revolution must take place. Such far-reaching changes usually do not take place without violence, and those in power do not simply relinquish their position. Usually those in power take up arms and shoot the rebellious citizens. Karl Marx, for example, wrote that in order to arrive at the utopian ideal of a totally free society without classes or state, a (last) humane application of appropriate violence was necessary. Although he came around later in life: sometimes change can also be achieved without violence.
But putting enough pressure on the elite to leave of their own accord (fear?), you usually need an armed party for that. The 1932 revolution by civilians and military could not have been done without some clash of arms from the army. Fortunately, there were no deaths then. Today, the Thai army is also not a complete unit where everyone thinks the same (however often Prayuth may hammer on 'unity'). But even if army units again choose the side of the people, will they resign in time, like the Carnation Revolution in Portugal?
My preference would be a revolution without military intervention, but then the people throughout Thailand would have to stop working en masse, protest, etc. Now, in addition to students, other groups are starting to stir, such as the (weak) trade unions, old Red Shirts, and so on. But we don't see millions of support publicly yet. Thailand has a long history of uprisings and protests and has gone from small to increasingly large tensions and fires.
This regime certainly does not have all the sheep on the table. I sincerely hope that this undemocratic monstrosity will come to an end and that a proper constitution like the one from 1946 or 1997 will be created again. They can serve as a good example and with some improvements, a truly democratic basis with transparency, independent checks, separation of powers etc. to be established.
Source: https://stateofnatureblog.com/nick-hewlett-marx-violence/
In my opinion, TO BE NUMBER ONE had every right to participate in the elections as a Thai national.
Who knows what the result would have been?
Ben
It is not about law, but about what is proper and what personal and state legal risks are associated with an election.
Would it be considered appropriate in the Netherlands if one of the children of Willem-Alexander and Maxima stands for Groen Links?
One can argue about decent. But the party that nominated 'to be number one' as prime minister candidate was disbanded by the Constitutional Court, even after it had withdrawn. That was the problem.
Ben wasn't talking about that.
Thank you Lung Jan for clearly explaining to the elderly among us what all those symbolic acts and references mean.
I have listened to many speeches by those young people. They demonstrate a great knowledge of the facts, also about what is not in official (text) books, newspapers or magazines. The youngsters are eloquent, creative and indeed humorous. Brave too, they are go-getters. They avoid snide or mean comments as often in previous protests.
Furthermore, in recent days, other groups have joined the protests. Ex-red shirts, members of the Assembly of the Poor, trade unions and women's rights fighters.
Will the result pay off? Remember, there were more than a year of protests in 1972-73 before the dictatorship was overthrown (October 14, 1973).
However it turns out, I am happy with so much enthusiasm from the youth. A breath of fresh air in the often rigid hierarchy in Thailand.
I also point to the frequent attempts by the police and ISOC (the military Internal Security Operations Command) to intimidate the demonstrators by paying visits to teachers and parents. .
Other fun ways in which the youth protest is of course with the Hamtaro. The images of young people singing an adapted song about Hamtaro also went around the internet. Depicting the prime minister as a selfish greedy who eats tax dollars.
Quite a few young people are at odds with their 'salim' or 'dinosaur' elders at home. For example, there are students who say that their pocket money is being cut or that their parents are threatening to throw them out of the house. Not that everyone thinks the same, there are also young people who do not like the criticism of the monarchy or old people who support the young. Khaosod had a few nice quotes about that. Even in the highest circles, opinions about the protests are divided, it seems. Earlier this month, Princess, but not officially Princess Ubolratana, showed sympathy for pro-democracy protests.
So division on all kinds of fronts, which hopefully can be brought to a good end in a warm, funny, loving way. Of course, no green or brown iron eaters should intervene.
- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30391963
- https://thisrupt.co/current-affairs/bad-student-fighting-against-fascism/
- https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/08/22/a-house-divided-ideological-clashes-split-families-as-protests-heat-up/
- https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/08/14/how-the-turntables-royalists-turn-on-princess-ubolratana/
Simply portraying the Prime Minister as a selfish grabber who eats tax dollars is very short-sighted!
Dear Lung Jan, Charley Chaplin and The Great Dictator are also not entirely unknown in Thailand. His impressive speech can even be seen with Thai subtitles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8DDvRbffeE
The NCPO was not a fan of it for completely incomprehensible reasons, and blocked this gem in 2017:
https://prachatai.com/english/node/7230
How many curious young people have picked up his name, I dare not say, but who knows, they might surprise us again with a projection near the monument of democracy.
“It is difficult for them to be anything other than creative, because as long as the state of emergency that was declared across the entire territory in response to the corona crisis applies, all demonstrations in the country are officially banned.” (quote)
You don't have to demonstrate at all if you commit nonviolent resistance. Look at the history of India and Gandhi's role in it.
There is also such a thing as civil disobedience. If one wants to democratize the monarchy at all, one could start by not showing up at all graduation ceremonies at universities where the diploma is awarded by a member of the royal family. But when I see the TV images (last week in Khon Kaen) the room is packed with students, 1,5 meters away. Creatively? Not really, maybe a bit hypocritical.
Part of Gandhi's 'non-violent resistance' included demonstrations, hunger strike, boycott and the willingness to die. If protest falls (or would you rather see some kind of sit ins where people sit down en masse without even showing blank A4 sheets?), then perhaps more hunger strikes (there have been some recently but they have already disappeared from the news )? Or a boycott of…? A shutdown (like the PDRC or otherwise?). Students are already/only calling for a boycott of food delivery company Panda and other companies that advertise on the Nation multimedia network, because the Nation would unilaterally bring the news. They also called for no longer to participate in the graduation ceremonies. So things are not really going smoothly with those boycotts. The willingness to die then also remains, the fear that people (young people) may die is there, the willingness to do so… well… rather not I think.
I personally think that besides demonstrations with banners (blank or with texts) things like putting down work, sit ins, can help. But the latter always gnaws: I need rice on the table tonight so I have to do some work so as not to lose my income or job. Perhaps you can give the students, grass root movements, trade unions, opposition parties, etc., who are starting to stir, some concrete tips on how, in addition to what they are already doing (non-violent protest), they can achieve their goal even more.
I have already done the latter, but yes, those actions are sometimes also uncomfortable for yourself. And then the enthusiasm quickly dies, in my experience. There is a lot of shouting and yet little critical thinking (also about your own position) and it all has to be easy and fast.
Yes, I am very likely to be an annoying man to them. Partly agree, partly disagree, but refuse to be pushed into the conservative corner where I have never felt at home in my life.
Asking for a new constitution as an element of democracy in Thailand is a deadly and stupid strategy. The past does not show good experiences with any constitution whatsoever. And the government is smart enough to embrace the idea because it could be years before there is a new constitution. Subsequently, the government is suspected of not wanting to drastically revise the constitution. This suspicion is in the minds of the students because the work has not even started yet. Why not advocate for a country without a constitution? That is not unique in the world. The UK has no constitution.
Why do you think Move Forward does not want to join a committee that will consider constitutional amendments (articles 1 and 2 regarding the monarchy already excluded in advance), or why the youth representatives did not show up at a government committee that would listen to the young people ? Right, because those are delaying tactics and everyone knows that. One is not stupid.
If the will was there, one could get any old constitution from the stable in no time, sign it and that's it. Shredding and replacing a constitution, whether according to the (constitution) law, has never been a problem.
You can therefore also guess why the activists have a problem that with a scribble (approval) from the highest person everything is kind of legalized. That is wonderful and there is also resentment about that. Where would the idea come from that everything and everyone should be covered by the constitution in theory and practice?
Note: The UK does not have a physical constitution, but it does have a series of laws and principles that equate to it. So I don't know where you want to go unless you know how to more effectively develop Thailand into a lasting democratic constitutional state without a constitution (but a set of laws and principles that make up a constitutional system) as opposed to a constitution like most democracies know that.
IF, I say IF the SH of Thailand were already synonymous with the ultra-conservatives, I would like to have an answer to the following questions (according to Tino, the students have a lot of knowledge of what is happening behind the scenes in the country ):
– Why have the two largest opposition parties in parliament not yet expressed their full support for the students' actions?
– Why did the Dubai man help SH with $20 million to free his plane in 2011? (https://gpdhome.typepad.com/nieuwsberichten/thailand/page/11/)
– Why don't students advocate for better education and a more fair student financing system (so that children of poorer Thais can also study) or for free university education (as in Germany), with a student-oriented curriculum that you can also stay in?
– Why a fake solution for a non-existent problem (such as abolishing the Privy Council as an advisory body to the SH; is anyone in the Netherlands concerned about the Council of State?)
– the monarchy in Thailand is much more than the SH; all other members of the monarchy are apparently left out of harm's way;
– even in the Netherlands there are articles about lese majeste, so abolishing it is nonsense. Article 112 has already been more or less inactivated at the request of the SH (indeed, yes);
– the problem with the 'intervention' of the SH, even in the past, does NOT lie with the SH but with immature politicians of all political persuasions. I don't hear anything about that;
– Why is a rich young person from the elite who kills students with his Benz 2 MBA now sentenced to 3 years unconditionally (if all judges are not independent)
– Why is the whole case of Boss Vorayudth who is even now being charged with cocaine use suddenly in the news (via an American press agency, not the Thai press) Why is it now established that at least 20 police officers were negligent in this case?
– Why has the man who apparently wasn't that crazy with the inscription on his t-shirt now been released (a better doctor, a fair judge: all members of the elite?)
– the statements of rich Thais on their FB page (maybe an idea to follow not only the pages of the protests but also of the rich)
– why the increasing indignation about the behavior of individual police and army officers among people who were not so critical before;
– Why are the Rajabaht universities that have always been under the support of the SH now being summoned by his sister to hand over the envelopes with their contents to her?
– Why have the two 'murderers' of Koh Tao now been granted amnesty?
– Why are irregularities now 'suddenly' found in the purchase of Boeing aircraft in 2003-2004 by Thai Airways?
I did not say that the students know what goes on behind the scenes. I don't know either. She and I don't think that's too important either, although it's fun to gossip about. We think it's important what happens in front of the screen.
I regret your suggestive why questions that refer to what you know and what we don't know. Just tell us what you know or say nothing. So answer your why questions yourself. I'm really curious. I don't want to deny that you know more but come out with it because otherwise I think it's pointless.
“They demonstrate a great knowledge of the facts, also about things that are not in official (text) books, newspapers or magazines.”
Still a quote from you?
What exactly is your opinion on the various protests, actions, the 3 main points (constitution amendment, fair elections, stop intimidation) etc. Chris?
But to take a quick look at these side paths:
– Important persons from Move Forward, Phua Thai and also the disbanded opposition parties (Thai Raksa Chaat, Future Forward) have expressed support, sympathy, etc. or expressed concrete support in the form of help for detained demonstrators. Does that sometimes only count if the support is unanimous, do you expect that, why/why not?
– Why involve 'the man in Dubai'? Or why about 10 years ago he helped another man? Does that say anything about their relationship today? And how is that relevant to the protesters with their 3 demands?
– Why do the demonstrators have to demand a long laundry list of other improvements if they clearly state that these 3 points are essential to make Thailand a full-fledged democracy (from where one can then work on all kinds of other points that students raise individually about what within education, society, etc. is not in order according to them). Shouldn't the primary interest be pointing out the 3 main points and thus garnering further support, understanding and so on?
– You cannot compare the privy council with the RvS… Are you suggesting that there is nothing wrong with the privy council?
– The students who start about the monarchy don't just aim their arrows at sir, see the 10 point plan, which is about the institute. That cannot be equated to 1 person.
– As far as the judiciary is concerned, the criticism is that it is completely independent, which is not the same as stating that 'all judges' are not independent or that (recently possibly growing, I didn't count) number of examples of independent judiciary show that there is no problems (more) are related to the legal system.
– In the Netherlands, lèse majesté has been removed from the code of law. And with 112 in the fridge but resorting to the computer crimes act for similar cases with similar maximum sentences, there is still the point that people who want to raise issues around the house run the necessary risks.
– Why do they commit someone to an institution for research into his mental well-being because that person walks around with such a shirt but has made no indication that he is 'possibly crazy'? Why does the madhouse and other authorities involved, where Mr. was 'for observation', want to say practically nothing substantive?
– Can we now go back to the key points, that there is a lack of the constitution, therefore also the parliament, senate, etc. And how to transform Thailand into a full-fledged democracy (no, there is no ready-made blueprint for that) em well-functioning rule of law where everyone is accountable?
If I were the strategy advisor to the opposition and the students, I would keep it very simple and stick to 1 demand: this government must step down. Not because of the past and the composition, but because it has not been able to more or less solve any problem in this country, but is only focused on 'law and order'. And even that (the law should apply to everyone) is not done well.
I would write a black book containing all the problematic subjects of this country and indicate what this government has done about it: reorganization of the army and police, implementation of laws, corruption, cronyism, economic and social inequality, infrastructure, income policy, taxes, road safety , citizen participation, freedom of expression, fear of foreigners, sustainable tourism, economic recovery. And have a public debate about it every week. Show that this government does nothing and does not move the country forward but puts it back in time.
When there is a new government, all kinds of 'details' can be discussed and settled, such as the abolition of school uniforms or the Privy Council. By setting too many detailed requirements now, you risk that part of the population you have to win over will turn against you. The same applies to matters concerning the monarchy.
I absolutely agree with you on the problematic issues that need to be addressed. But that is not possible with the current constitution. The Senate is the biggest obstacle.
What does that show? For now, that's just a paper obstacle and lives in people's minds. I think the senators are so practical that they take their money's worth when it comes down to it. They blow with all winds, but especially with the wind of the minority. And in a mature democracy you should consult with them, not view them as enemies.
And why should a democratically elected government not be able to override the constitution? That wouldn't be the first time it's happened.
Resigning alone does not solve anything, if the government resigns and a new government comes (after elections?), of whatever caliber it is, the people will still have the senate. Only a democratically elected parliament plus senate (or abolishing the senate?) can actually change something. And then we soon come to matters such as the Electoral Council and so on.
That black book is a nice idea. There must be enough offline and online forums where people can freely draw up that black book together.
I have the firm impression (also at work) that you can discuss very well with Thai people if you respect each other and come up with business-like arguments. But you do have to prepare yourself and not out of your neck. Because then you won't win any argument.
ok, but together with those two other demands (no more harassment of dissidents and fair elections) will it all work?????
If the government resigns, elections must be held automatically. You don't have to ask for that.
Well written, and correct.
Apparently the students are more sensible than what they are taught in school and seem to have minimal experience according to our Western model.
This gives hope for an intellectual future for the Thai youth.
Presumably their parents are behind them but with a scared heart, but a (good) future does not come automatically.
I can only show a lot of respect for these courageous young people and for overcoming their fear!
To gain more support, they could learn a lot from the White Russians – simplifying the message so that the common lung and bpaa understand and embrace it too. After all, it's the economy stupid.