Prayut lifts state of emergency over protests
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha lifted a state of emergency and other related orders in Bangkok on Thursday, a week after they were introduced to deal with anti-government protests.
Demonstrations continued in many provinces yesterday, with crowds chanting for the prime minister to resign. Protesters on Wednesday promised to scale back their protests if General Prayut resigns within three days and waives legal action against their leaders.
The state of emergency was lifted after General Prayut appeared on national television on Wednesday with conciliatory words towards the demonstrators. During his speech, the prime minister urged all parties to step back, adding that the government was ready to lift the state of emergency. Incidentally, the state of emergency for the Covid-19 situation remains.
In the announcement, published in the Royal Gazette, the state of emergency, which was initially supposed to last a month, was lifted from yesterday afternoon.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the prime minister was authorized to lift the state of emergency, but it could still be reintroduced if "adverse incidents" occur.
Source: Bangkok Post
That is a step in the right direction, but does the people believe that something will change? Prayuth is the author of the constitution in which the senate is appointed from uniforms and cronies and can block all legislation in favor of the common man. I think Prayuth's statement that he is willing to look at the Constitution deserves full support; at least it's something...
But Prayuth's hands are tied; he has to do with the head of state and with the ultra-royalists who want to keep things as they are. They do not see that not they but the young people have the future and that future is now demonstrating on the street for their rights. Yesterday a good article in the BKK Post number 2004887 that was posted in this blog by Tino Kuis.
Yes, Erik, the youth protest movement in recent months is remarkable. She is not tied to a political party like the red shirts and yellow shirts of the past. They are protesting in many places in Bangkok but also across the country, already in 63 of the 77 provinces.
They are absolutely non-violent, humorous and creative. A 16-year-old girl gave a speech that Rutte can still suck a point from. Yes, there are political demands but the movement is broader, more socially oriented and reminds me of the one in many European countries in 1967-68.
These young people know what is going on and do not mince words. They talk about things that should not be discussed on this blog either. Unfortunately, this also means that more than 80 protesters have already been charged, of which about 25 are still in prison.
I think there is only one possible solution. The government must resign and call new elections. The Senate must promise not to interfere again. There must be a new constitution. The harassment of demonstrators must stop.
Who takes this guy seriously anymore? First the government escalated the matter disproportionately by declaring an 'extra severe state of emergency' to intimidate the peaceful demonstrators, when the police in anti-riot equipment, concrete and barbed wire barriers and the use of water cannons. Then also shut down public transport in a failed attempt to block the demonstrators' transport. Picking up all kinds of people (70+ if I'm not wrong). These kind of 'leaders' only know the attack… but they don't put up with that constant intimidation anymore.
Mister had to back down after having failed nationally and internationally. However, even in his speech, the man must first attack with bizarre accusations that the demonstrators have partly used brute force. To partly justify the actions of the regime. He can't get over something as simple as an apology. We can also forget about retiring. I don't expect reforms either, the powers that be want to keep their position so they won't just give up. Prayuth's call that dialogue should be entered into and the solution should go through parliament is downright laughable from someone who came to power through a coup, and then had a constitution written without a real plebiscite, unfree elections, etc.
This man has to go, this monstrosity of a constitution has to go. Only with democracy, accountability and free speech can a better Thailand be achieved. It's nice that the media blockade is now over (here too, I wasn't so happy the past few days with nice pieces that I couldn't respond to). But I'm afraid that all this chatter about talking in the parliament and senate, setting up committees of inquiry and the like are lame excuses for delaying and then canceling reforms.
The question is: will the people accept that?
NB: the coverage in the Bangkok Post is below par in my opinion. Even the conservative Nation gives a better picture of what's going on. Readers who want to know what is going on I advise to follow internet media such as Khaosod, Thisrupt, Thai Enquirer or various live streams.
Speech see: https://www.thaienquirer.com/19863/full-text-of-prayut-speech-on-october-21/
Moderator: Text removed. Accusing someone of corruption when he has not been convicted of it is not allowed. A person is not guilty until a judge has spoken.
The next step should be for parliament to take the initiative. The protesters' demands are not unreasonable. Certainly not if you place it against the context that Prayuth once promised to act according to a “roadmap to democracy”. Parliament should take a critical look at the constitution, reorganize the monarchy in 2020, and call new elections. Let them start with hearings, and let them give substance to the concept of consensus, because it is a Buddhist concept.
0,0 of that roadmap has ended up. Even at the Bangkok Post, a well-known opinion maker who viewed opposition practices with suspicion and often justified the actions of the former junta is now clear: Prayuth's time is over. See: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2006643/history-not-on-the-side-of-gen-prayut
Talking is certainly the solution, but are the powers that be serious about talking? It is not really possible to compromise on democracy… Prayuth is now slowing down, but it may be too little too late.
I'm more inclined to judge for myself, and I don't particularly like reporting that turns out to be flexible as bamboo. In addition, Thailand, if it wants a polity based on the principles of democracy, benefits from being able to make compromises. I will list here in a few words the most complex problems facing Thailand. First, the choice of a polity. Until today, Thailand has always enforced a system of governance militarily. It's not just the military. Second: Democracy- Thailand is not even remotely familiar with this and this will prove to be a very tough exercise. Third, being able to compromise. To be able to do this means to have the willingness (to) to do so. A learning process for many.
All things considered, I conclude that just pointing to Prayuth cs will not solve anything.
Prayuth is head of jut and also has 2 children who are getting a bit fed up with the rubbish they get over them. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/09/03/prayuts-daughters-hit-back-at-netizens-accusations/
How low can you go as an opponent?
I think Prayut actually doesn't want to leave because that means he will probably have to leave Thailand because then all the mistakes will come out and he will have to flee the country just like his predecessors
In my view, the 'nested' state of emergency has only been withdrawn, to give “team yellow” the opportunity to also take to the streets and seek confrontation.
That in turn makes it possible to intervene harshly.
I don't think it will get that far. Thailand is changing. There is more hope. Young people also come from “yellow” families who are more than fed up with the current red-yellow contrast. Tino Kuis' remark is justified when he states that Thai young people do not feel bound to political parties. You saw a handful of royalists raise objections as a procession of wagons carrying a member of the royal family got lost in a protest mass. And some yellow sympathizers drove around on mopeds with flags. But what became clear to them was that they could not connect with the intentions of their youth. Youth is the future, always has been. That is why it is great that Thai young people understand this and, against all opposition, still have the guts to protest against all injustice in their country. And don't believe Prayuth didn't get directions from the inside. Follow Thai-language media. Give a lot of information.
A positive process has been going on for many years, which many do not want to see and is often opposed, but can you expect a rotten system to be completely clean in 6 years?
If you want to see everything black, there is never white. The young people make their point, but it is certainly not supported by the majority in Bangkok who know that changes are slow.
In my opinion, all interests are properly assessed in the field of tension. As I often proclaim here, the government will no longer allow itself to be provoked and if they continue to do so, there will be a next election. Even then you will get resistance from a certain angle, but that is well known by now.
Would Prayut have come to this conclusion all by himself and alone, after thinking long and hard (as he has been doing since 2014)?
Of course he didn't make that decision all by himself. He certainly discussed it with his wife.