Why are there protests against Thailand’s king?
Thailand's king has been subject to international scrutiny since his days at school in Australia. Why are there protests against the monarchy now? Why are they so unusual?
Thailand's monarchy has long been considered untouchable, an institution of vast wealth and power protected against scrutiny by draconian laws. It is often described as a sacred and revered institution, purportedly above politics.
With a new king, criticisms long whispered are spilling into the open. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s lavish lifestyle, mostly enjoyed in Germany, colourful personal history and volatile reputation have made him a figure of fear in some quarters and ridicule in others.
Protests across many provinces in 2020, defying emergency decrees in the middle of a pandemic, made oblique references to the monarchy and its power. In August, the criticism became explicit, with a series of protests taking aim not only at the structure of the monarchy and its influence in politics and military affairs but at the king personally.
Why is such criticism extremely unusual in Thailand? What laws protect the king? How are this year’s protests different from the past? And how does Harry Potter and a 500-year-old elephant battle fit into all of this?
To read more:
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/why-are-there-protests-against-thailand-s-king-20200817-p55mlj.html
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They have been rallying almost daily for the past month. Anti-government protesters led by students are attracting different sectors of Thai society.
Their main demand is a change of the entire political system.
That includes the resignation of former army general now Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Sunday saw one of the largest protests since the military seized power in the latest coup six years ago.
As well as changes to the constitution and an end to the intimidation of political activists, some are calling for what has long been unthinkable: reform of the monarchy.
Any criticism of the royal family is an offence that can lead to a long prison sentence.
How likely is political change in Thailand?
Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra
Guests:
Pravit Rojanaphruk - Political reporter and columnist for Kaosod English news website
David Streckfuss - Thai historian and author of Truth on Trial in Thailand; Defamation, Treason, and Lese- Majeste
Jade Donavanik - Dean of the Graduate School of Law at Siam University and a former adviser to the Constitution Drafting Committee in Thailand
Source: Al Jazeera News
