Protests widen in Thailand over reforms in constitution and monarchy

Bangkok: – The extent of the agitation against the constitution written by the military and the reforms to the Royal Family is increasing by the day. On Wednesday, thousands of protestors joined a rally without paying any heed to the security agencies. Placards with messages against the Royal Family and the government also were displayed during the rally. Over the last few years, pro-democracy groups are agitating in Thailand. Moreover, these groups have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-cha.

Last year, the constitutional court in Thailand banned the ‘Future Forward Party’, demanding democratic amendments to the constitution. All the pro-democracy groups joined hands after this and started the agitation. The extent of protests was limited due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But nearly a hundred thousand people took to the streets between July and September to protest. After that, the Thai Prime Minister started an aggressive action against these protesting groups, clamping emergency.

The agitation was seen to be weakening following the action. But last month, the Thai groups have, once again, come together given the military coup in Myanmar. Extensive protests seem to have started ever since. Last week, thousands of protestors organised a rally near the Grand Palace on reforms to the Royal Family. Many protestors were injured in the action taken by the security agencies at this time.

Forwarding the reason of Coronavirus pandemic, orders were issued, declaring the protests and rallies as illegal. But massive protests were seen in the capital Bangkok on Wednesday, defying the orders. The placards demanding reforms to the Royal Family attracted attention. Insulting the Royal Family is a serious offence in Thailand, and the person could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years for it. Against this background, agitation against the Royal Family becomes significant.

It is being said that the agitations against Prime Minister Prayut and the Royal Family, also have a background of discontent against China. The Coronavirus pandemic, which originated from China, has severely hit the economies of south-east Asian countries, and thousands of citizens are facing unemployment. Simultaneously, although the Chinese investment coming into Thailand is looking attractive, it is being revealed that it has disastrous effects on the common citizens.

Therefore, the population is strongly resisting Chinese investment and interference. The current Thai government and the Royal Family are believed to be close to China. Especially, the Thai Royal Family has close ties with China. Therefore, the intensity of the accusations is increasing. Last year, while the protests were being held, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had visited the King of Thailand and delivered a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is said that Prime Minister Prayut has taken many pro-China decisions in the last six years.