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© Thomson Reuters 2020Thailand bans protests as challenge to establishment escalates
By Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Jiraporn Kuhakan BANGKOK©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
15 Comments
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PTownsend
Suppression of pro-democracy movements is increasing while anti-democracy movements are gaining strength around the globe.
It baffles why people would continue to support a corrupt ruler, be he king, US president or a 'leader for life' (or in some cases until 2036), or any other authoritarian of any kind.
Individuals living in states where they can still elect leaders need to exercise their democratic rights and vote authoritarian and authoritarian-wannabe leaders out.
Ego Sum Lux Mundi
Young Thais are increasingly frustrated by the lack of political freedom, change, and economic opportunities. They aren't going to take the same old same old anymore, and they are far less respectful of the King and royal family than their parents' generation.
finally rich
PTownsend agreed!
We still have our freedom of voice, expression and democratic rights in the West and the only way not to become Thai, NK or other truly authoritarian state is to vote wisely, preferably for leaders that vow to pave the way to:
-small government
-more individual freedom
-less interference of the state on people's lives
Don't fall for empty/broken/utopic promises that don't work (never worked) in the real world, vote wisely!
Ego Sum Lux Mundi
The history of EVERY western country since 1945 has been moving in the complete opposite direction of the above.
venze
Protests in Bangkok have had a long history. More often than not, they ended with military junta taking over the government. This time, they are mainly students who demand a change in their monarchical system, apart from wanting the nation back to a more acceptable democratic regime.
Will they succeed? Hard to predict. Just hope for the best..
indigo
Democracy is a myth for naive people. remember when 70% people from Okinawa said NO to the army base. People opinions have been ignored. the politician skill is only to create the democracy delusion.
kyronstavic
Agree. While it seems like people in Thailand are fighting for freedom, a large proportion of people in the West seem to be begging for governments to solve all their problems and falling for utopian promises. Like "just a couple of weeks until we flatten the curve." Then you can have your freedom back. Oh, wait...
Goodlucktoyou
(I thought the new king lives in Europe? Switzerland, Monaco, Luxembourg or somewhere?)
its a shame for ordinary Thai people. Been there many a time. Cook Thai twice a week,
i was in Chiangmai when the Pro-democracy protests happened just near Koh San Rd in Bangkok about 20 years ago. I arrived there two days later to find my backpacking friend had been shot by authorities. Many people died. There was paranoia and it was like a war scene.
i wish peace and happy transition to the many Thai friends I have met.
Choke Dee!
Attilathehungry
This has been coming for a long time. The previous king was revered, and rightly so. He was a champion of the people, as much as his position allowed. When he died, there was a glimmer of hope that his son (the current king) would step aside in favor of his sister, who is similarly adored in Thailand. Alas, it didnt come to pass.
The current king spends most of his time in Bavaria, only returning to Thailand for short visits. He really needs to do something to get the people on his side, as they were for his father.
u_s__reamer
I once was a foreign "guest of honor" at a party hosted by a Thai general who in his cups complained of the chaotic state of the country and whispered into my ear that the "perfect" Thai society would be "communism with a king"! This time these demonstrations will not be put down by the military in a bloodbath like before, but will bring some reforms and, if not "communism", perhaps a country without a king.
kurisupisu
Thailand needs reforms badly-good luck to them!
theFu
Whenever I think of Thailand, kind, friendly people and strict rules enforced by the police come to mind. I don't know how to fix the issues. Just be certain to wear long pants when visiting any official location and don't say anything about the monarchy if you want to get along.
Every Thai person I spoke with about the monarchy seemed to have a canned answer, "we love our King." It was practiced to the point where it may or may not have been true, so I stopped asking out of curiosity.
In Thailand, a few of my websites are blocked. No idea why. They aren't controversial and don't have anything at all to do with politics.
Fighto!
The military dictatorship in Thailand is awful, and the new King is an aloof weirdo who deserves no respect.
The "land of smiles" is sadly no more. The good Thai people deserve better. Power to the protestors! Bring down the authorities!
Peeping_Tom
"Democracy is a myth for naive people. remember when 70% people from Okinawa said NO to the army base. People opinions have been ignored. the politician skill is only to create the democracy delusion."
I had Philosophy in HS and really like Socrates.
Try reading a bit on the "Parable of the Ship".
It concerns a very interesting dialogue between Socrates and Adeimantus, regarding Democracy.
I agree with Socrates wholeheartedly.
Mark
The Average Thai worker earns about $480.00 in USD a month, and that is a 10 to 12 hours shift 6 days a week. POVERTY is just overwhelming and heartbreaking, while the King and the Elites spend 70% of their time in Europe Gambling and Boozing with little governing, It's been long overdue for Thailand to have a real Democratically elected Leaders, and get rid of the current system.