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A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
- Thread starter Leongsam
- Start date
Thailand protests: 'My father is blinded by his love for the monarchy'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54573831
IMAGE COPYRIGHTJILLA DASTMALCHI
"My father taught me that criticising our king was a sin. A taboo."
But Danai, 19, is now defying his father's warning. A law student in Bangkok, he is one of tens of thousands of protesters who have packed the streets of the Thai capital every month this summer, demanding reform of the monarchy.
His father Pakorn is a well-travelled, upper middle class man. His name and his son's name have been changed to protect their identity.
Although they don't live in the same house, they still see each other often. But every time they meet, they avoid speaking about one subject: the monarchy.
"If we talk about it we'll have a row and it will ruin our day," Danai says.
"Once we had an argument in our car after I criticised the king. For my father the king is untouchable. I asked, why? He said that I am too young to understand. He got very angry, then he went quiet and wouldn't speak to me."
Danai's family isn't alone. Disagreements like this over the role of an institution with sacrosanct status in Thailand is playing out in homes - in cities and in the countryside - around the country.
Falling out online
But families in Thailand don't just argue about the monarchy face-to-face, many decide to have it out on social media.
And things can get pretty extreme.
When a university student in the northern city of Chiang Mai revealed on Facebook in September that her father wanted to sue her because of her anti-monarchy views, he responded by posting that she was no longer allowed to use his family name.
Pakorn believes that university teachers are responsible for his son's behaviour.
"In Thai society there are groups of hard-core people who are anti-royalists. Also the internet and social media keep pouring out misleading information and fake news. Young people absorb quickly without filtering," he says.
Danai challenged his father about the monarchy for the first time when he was 17.
"We were at the cinema. Before the film started, when the royal anthem was played as usual, everyone stood up to pay respect to the king. I didn't want to do that, so I stayed in my seat. My father forced me to get up, but I resisted. Only when people started staring at us, did I finally stand."
IMAGE COPYRIGHTJILLA DASTMALCHI
Refusing to stand when the royal anthem was playing used to be illegal in Thailand, until the law was repealed in 2010. But failing to do so is still seen by many as disrespecting the monarchy.
Historic tradition
Thais are taught from birth to revere and love their king, but also to fear the consequences of speaking out against him. The so-called Land of Smiles is one of a very small number of countries with a lese majeste law. This means that criticising the king, the queen or the heir to the throne is illegal - and anyone doing so could be jailed for up to 15 years.
Today, Danai doesn't stand up in the cinema any more.
media captionProtesters in Thailand shield themselves as riot police try to disperse crowds
Since July, thousands of university students have taken to the streets, and have continued to do so despite a state of emergency in recent days and the arrest of many of the protest leaders.
The student protests shocked most Thais - including Danai's father, Pakorn.
"I was born in the reign of King Rama IX. He did more for his people than for his own children. When he was ill, I was ready to leave this world if that could have made him live longer. But Generation Z, like my son, don't have that experience."
A new king
A new generation of Thais are protesting against the monarchy, risking long jail terms
This clash of generations would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. But the crowning of the new monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, changed everything.
The new king is rarely seen in public, and spends most of his time in Germany - even more so since Thailand was hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
There have been questions over his decision to take personal command of all military units based in Bangkok - a concentration of military power in royal hands unprecedented in modern Thailand.
His private life is also much talked about. Divorced three times, he married last year for a fourth time. He also appointed a woman who'd been his bodyguard as his official consort, before disowning and then reinstating her.
By contrast, the late King Rama IX was seen by many as semi-divine. Everywhere he went people would lie before him and call themselves "the dust under his feet".
Pakorn saw the late king in person twice.
"One time, I was in my car and I saw him driving by himself, coming in the opposite direction. There was no motorcade, no sirens. Our eyes met. I was shocked. I think he just wanted to do things like other people, easy and informal. I felt he had an aura around him, his presence was very special."
However during the last 10 years of Rama IX's life, he was ill and stayed in hospital most of the time.
Young Thais like Danai rarely saw him in public. Even so, when the king died Danai posted messages on Facebook showing his sadness and gratitude toward him.
He told the BBC he now regrets doing that.
"I've just realised that what I was told about him at the time or before that was all propaganda."
Questioning the past
Danai can't understand his father's feelings for the king.
"He is blinded by his love for the monarchy. Talking to him is like talking to a wall. He doesn't want to listen. For now, the only thing I want from my father is for him to be open-minded about this subject, as he normally is with any another issue."
Danai believes his mother is also a royalist but does not support the monarchy as much as his dad. She doesn't ever criticise the monarchy however - and she thinks the protests will fail.
"My mum thinks that reforming the monarchy is something out of reach and protesters can't make this happen," says Danai.
Pakorn says he does not know if getting older and wiser in the future will help his son get closer to him again, and put them back on the same track they both used to be on.
Danai is not sure either.
"It might be possible that I might change my mind about the institution. But I don't think it will happen because I will get older," he says.
"It depends on what happens in reality and the information I receive."
The souring of their relationship because of their opposing views on the king reflects a widening generational divide emblematic of Thai society.
Since the student protests started, families all over Thailand have become increasingly divided.
Parents and children, brothers and sisters, aunts and nephews are all becoming strangers.
A young generation of Thais is questioning the monarchy and everything it represents - and this is likely to be just the beginning of a long, internal struggle.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54573831
"My father taught me that criticising our king was a sin. A taboo."
But Danai, 19, is now defying his father's warning. A law student in Bangkok, he is one of tens of thousands of protesters who have packed the streets of the Thai capital every month this summer, demanding reform of the monarchy.
His father Pakorn is a well-travelled, upper middle class man. His name and his son's name have been changed to protect their identity.
Although they don't live in the same house, they still see each other often. But every time they meet, they avoid speaking about one subject: the monarchy.
"If we talk about it we'll have a row and it will ruin our day," Danai says.
"Once we had an argument in our car after I criticised the king. For my father the king is untouchable. I asked, why? He said that I am too young to understand. He got very angry, then he went quiet and wouldn't speak to me."
Danai's family isn't alone. Disagreements like this over the role of an institution with sacrosanct status in Thailand is playing out in homes - in cities and in the countryside - around the country.
Falling out online
But families in Thailand don't just argue about the monarchy face-to-face, many decide to have it out on social media.
And things can get pretty extreme.
When a university student in the northern city of Chiang Mai revealed on Facebook in September that her father wanted to sue her because of her anti-monarchy views, he responded by posting that she was no longer allowed to use his family name.
Pakorn believes that university teachers are responsible for his son's behaviour.
"In Thai society there are groups of hard-core people who are anti-royalists. Also the internet and social media keep pouring out misleading information and fake news. Young people absorb quickly without filtering," he says.
Danai challenged his father about the monarchy for the first time when he was 17.
"We were at the cinema. Before the film started, when the royal anthem was played as usual, everyone stood up to pay respect to the king. I didn't want to do that, so I stayed in my seat. My father forced me to get up, but I resisted. Only when people started staring at us, did I finally stand."
Refusing to stand when the royal anthem was playing used to be illegal in Thailand, until the law was repealed in 2010. But failing to do so is still seen by many as disrespecting the monarchy.
Historic tradition
Thais are taught from birth to revere and love their king, but also to fear the consequences of speaking out against him. The so-called Land of Smiles is one of a very small number of countries with a lese majeste law. This means that criticising the king, the queen or the heir to the throne is illegal - and anyone doing so could be jailed for up to 15 years.
Today, Danai doesn't stand up in the cinema any more.
media captionProtesters in Thailand shield themselves as riot police try to disperse crowds
Since July, thousands of university students have taken to the streets, and have continued to do so despite a state of emergency in recent days and the arrest of many of the protest leaders.
- The student daring to challenge Thailand’s monarchy
- Why Thai protesters are willing to break the law
- The satirist who vanished in broad daylight
- Thailand blocks Change.org for petition against king
The student protests shocked most Thais - including Danai's father, Pakorn.
"I was born in the reign of King Rama IX. He did more for his people than for his own children. When he was ill, I was ready to leave this world if that could have made him live longer. But Generation Z, like my son, don't have that experience."
A new king
A new generation of Thais are protesting against the monarchy, risking long jail terms
This clash of generations would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. But the crowning of the new monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, changed everything.
The new king is rarely seen in public, and spends most of his time in Germany - even more so since Thailand was hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
There have been questions over his decision to take personal command of all military units based in Bangkok - a concentration of military power in royal hands unprecedented in modern Thailand.
His private life is also much talked about. Divorced three times, he married last year for a fourth time. He also appointed a woman who'd been his bodyguard as his official consort, before disowning and then reinstating her.
By contrast, the late King Rama IX was seen by many as semi-divine. Everywhere he went people would lie before him and call themselves "the dust under his feet".
Pakorn saw the late king in person twice.
"One time, I was in my car and I saw him driving by himself, coming in the opposite direction. There was no motorcade, no sirens. Our eyes met. I was shocked. I think he just wanted to do things like other people, easy and informal. I felt he had an aura around him, his presence was very special."
However during the last 10 years of Rama IX's life, he was ill and stayed in hospital most of the time.
Young Thais like Danai rarely saw him in public. Even so, when the king died Danai posted messages on Facebook showing his sadness and gratitude toward him.
He told the BBC he now regrets doing that.
"I've just realised that what I was told about him at the time or before that was all propaganda."
Questioning the past
Danai can't understand his father's feelings for the king.
"He is blinded by his love for the monarchy. Talking to him is like talking to a wall. He doesn't want to listen. For now, the only thing I want from my father is for him to be open-minded about this subject, as he normally is with any another issue."
Danai believes his mother is also a royalist but does not support the monarchy as much as his dad. She doesn't ever criticise the monarchy however - and she thinks the protests will fail.
"My mum thinks that reforming the monarchy is something out of reach and protesters can't make this happen," says Danai.
Pakorn says he does not know if getting older and wiser in the future will help his son get closer to him again, and put them back on the same track they both used to be on.
Danai is not sure either.
"It might be possible that I might change my mind about the institution. But I don't think it will happen because I will get older," he says.
"It depends on what happens in reality and the information I receive."
The souring of their relationship because of their opposing views on the king reflects a widening generational divide emblematic of Thai society.
Since the student protests started, families all over Thailand have become increasingly divided.
Parents and children, brothers and sisters, aunts and nephews are all becoming strangers.
A young generation of Thais is questioning the monarchy and everything it represents - and this is likely to be just the beginning of a long, internal struggle.
Significance of monitor lizards in the above carton.
“The Thai name for a monitor lizard is used as one of the worst insults and curse words in the Thai language. It can be used to refer to anything evil and bad, and calling a Thai person a monitor lizard (in Thai) can have serious repercussions. Some Thai people believe that even saying the animal’s name can bring bad luck.”
Sunday yesterday, unrelenting (with new strategy)
Thai protesters take to streets in new show of defiance
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...lan-rally-on-sunday-while-evading-authorities
Protesters holding up posters of Student Union of Thailand spokesperson Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul during
a demonstration in Bangkok on Oct 18, 2020.PHOTO: AFP
FACEBOOKTWITTER
BANGKOK (REUTERS, AFP) – Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters took over key intersections in Bangkok on Sunday (Oct 18), defying a ban on protests for the fourth day with chants of "down with dictatorship" and "reform the monarchy."
Demonstrations have persisted despite the arrest of dozens of protesters and their leaders, the use of water cannon and shutdowns on much of Bangkok’s metro rail system in a bid to quell over three months of street action.
The youth-led movement has suffered several blows this week, with scores arrested after demonstrators surrounded a royal motorcade and flashed “democracy salutes” at Queen Suthida.
The government reacted with emergency measures – including banning gatherings of more than four people in Bangkok – and the arrest of protest leaders who have called for the removal of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, a former military chief brought to power in a 2014 coup.
"Free our friends", the protesters called out as they stood in a rain, a mass of colourful ponchos and umbrellas. Some held up pictures of detained protest leaders.
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said at least 80 protesters had been arrested since Oct 13 with 27 still being held.
Police have given no full breakdown.
“I cannot let the students fight alone,” said 24-year-old Phat, a first-time rallygoer at Bangkok’s Victory Monument.
National Police spokesman Yingyos Thepjumnong warned protesters earlier on Sunday that no rallies “causing unrest and disorder” would be allowed.
“If they defy it, police will do whatever is necessary to enforce the law,” he said.
Pro-democracy protesters carry sections to make a metal barrier through the crowd during an anti-government rally at Victory Monument in Bangkok, on Oct 18, 2020. PHOTO: AFP
But police kept a low-key presence on Sunday as local media said more than 20,000 people descended on the landmark from late afternoon shouting “Free our friends” while carrying posters of those arrested.
"We are committed to maintain peace and order. In order to do so we are bound by laws, international standards, human rights," police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen told a news conference.
Demonstrators nonetheless distributed helmets and goggles to protect them during any attempt to disperse them by force.
Protesters say Prime Minister Prayut engineered last year’s election to keep power he seized in a 2014 coup – an accusation he denies.
The demonstrations have also become more openly critical of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s monarchy, breaking a longstanding taboo, demanding curbs to its powers despite potential jail terms of up 15 years for anyone insulting the king.
Thailand protest: Former PM Yingluck reminds Prayut of her predicament 6 years ago
Thousands occupy Bangkok streets in 4th day of anti-government protests
Thai PM calls for tougher crackdown on protests after clashes
During demonstrations by tens of thousands of people at multiple points across Bangkok on Saturday, protesters painted a flag on the road with "Republic of Thailand" written across it. The writing was painted out overnight.
The Royal Palace has made no comment on the protests but the King has said Thailand needed people who love the country and the monarchy.
Once-taboo in Thailand, the demands for royal reform is one of the biggest challenges facing the kingdom’s conservative military-aligned government.
“There are groups of people claiming the monarchy for their own benefit and to get rid of their political opponents,” said a 24-year-old graduate who asked not to be identified.
“We will not get true democracy if there’s no monarchy reform,” he told AFP.
Across Thailand, demonstrations were being organised in at least 19 other provinces in solidarity on Sunday.
Pro-democracy protesters showing the three-finger salute as a police vehicle drives by, during a rally in Bangkok on Oct 18, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS
Solidarity protests were also being held or planned in Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden, France, the United States and Canada.
Victory Monument, one of Bangkok’s busiest thoroughfares, was blocked off by protesters, but they made way for emergency vehicles and sent supplies down human chains formed along streets leading to the roundabout.
Since the movement started in July, the social media-savvy protesters have harnessed unorthodox ways of spreading their messages, sending alerts through newly formed groups on Telegram – a secure messaging app – and borrowing tips from Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests.
Another protest site in Asok, a popular shopping and restaurant district, drew a smaller group of protesters.
Gatherings were planned across the country – from Phuket in the south to Khon Khaen in the north-east, where students held up a portrait of Mr Prayut with the words “Get out” scrawled on it.
Links have grown between protesters in Thailand and Hong Kong in a so-called Milk Tea Alliance referring to drinks popular in both places.
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong tweeted in support of Thai protesters.
"Their determination for #Thailanddemocracy cannot be deterred," he said.
Thai protesters take to streets in new show of defiance
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...lan-rally-on-sunday-while-evading-authorities
Protesters holding up posters of Student Union of Thailand spokesperson Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul during
a demonstration in Bangkok on Oct 18, 2020.PHOTO: AFP
FACEBOOKTWITTER
BANGKOK (REUTERS, AFP) – Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters took over key intersections in Bangkok on Sunday (Oct 18), defying a ban on protests for the fourth day with chants of "down with dictatorship" and "reform the monarchy."
Demonstrations have persisted despite the arrest of dozens of protesters and their leaders, the use of water cannon and shutdowns on much of Bangkok’s metro rail system in a bid to quell over three months of street action.
The youth-led movement has suffered several blows this week, with scores arrested after demonstrators surrounded a royal motorcade and flashed “democracy salutes” at Queen Suthida.
The government reacted with emergency measures – including banning gatherings of more than four people in Bangkok – and the arrest of protest leaders who have called for the removal of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, a former military chief brought to power in a 2014 coup.
"Free our friends", the protesters called out as they stood in a rain, a mass of colourful ponchos and umbrellas. Some held up pictures of detained protest leaders.
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said at least 80 protesters had been arrested since Oct 13 with 27 still being held.
Police have given no full breakdown.
“I cannot let the students fight alone,” said 24-year-old Phat, a first-time rallygoer at Bangkok’s Victory Monument.
National Police spokesman Yingyos Thepjumnong warned protesters earlier on Sunday that no rallies “causing unrest and disorder” would be allowed.
“If they defy it, police will do whatever is necessary to enforce the law,” he said.
But police kept a low-key presence on Sunday as local media said more than 20,000 people descended on the landmark from late afternoon shouting “Free our friends” while carrying posters of those arrested.
"We are committed to maintain peace and order. In order to do so we are bound by laws, international standards, human rights," police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen told a news conference.
Demonstrators nonetheless distributed helmets and goggles to protect them during any attempt to disperse them by force.
Protesters say Prime Minister Prayut engineered last year’s election to keep power he seized in a 2014 coup – an accusation he denies.
The demonstrations have also become more openly critical of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s monarchy, breaking a longstanding taboo, demanding curbs to its powers despite potential jail terms of up 15 years for anyone insulting the king.
Thailand protest: Former PM Yingluck reminds Prayut of her predicament 6 years ago
Thousands occupy Bangkok streets in 4th day of anti-government protests
Thai PM calls for tougher crackdown on protests after clashes
During demonstrations by tens of thousands of people at multiple points across Bangkok on Saturday, protesters painted a flag on the road with "Republic of Thailand" written across it. The writing was painted out overnight.
The Royal Palace has made no comment on the protests but the King has said Thailand needed people who love the country and the monarchy.
Once-taboo in Thailand, the demands for royal reform is one of the biggest challenges facing the kingdom’s conservative military-aligned government.
“There are groups of people claiming the monarchy for their own benefit and to get rid of their political opponents,” said a 24-year-old graduate who asked not to be identified.
“We will not get true democracy if there’s no monarchy reform,” he told AFP.
Across Thailand, demonstrations were being organised in at least 19 other provinces in solidarity on Sunday.
Solidarity protests were also being held or planned in Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden, France, the United States and Canada.
Victory Monument, one of Bangkok’s busiest thoroughfares, was blocked off by protesters, but they made way for emergency vehicles and sent supplies down human chains formed along streets leading to the roundabout.
Since the movement started in July, the social media-savvy protesters have harnessed unorthodox ways of spreading their messages, sending alerts through newly formed groups on Telegram – a secure messaging app – and borrowing tips from Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests.
Another protest site in Asok, a popular shopping and restaurant district, drew a smaller group of protesters.
Gatherings were planned across the country – from Phuket in the south to Khon Khaen in the north-east, where students held up a portrait of Mr Prayut with the words “Get out” scrawled on it.
Links have grown between protesters in Thailand and Hong Kong in a so-called Milk Tea Alliance referring to drinks popular in both places.
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong tweeted in support of Thai protesters.
"Their determination for #Thailanddemocracy cannot be deterred," he said.
Thai Parliament to decide on special meeting as protesters rally
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters rallied in Bangkok for a fifth day on Oct 18, 2020.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...decide-on-special-meeting-as-protesters-rally
BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) - Thai lawmakers are set to meet on Monday (Oct 19) to decide on convening a special Parliament session to discuss ways to end an escalating protest movement calling for the ouster of Prayut Chan-ocha's government and the reform of the monarchy.
Chuan Leekpai, speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, will meet with lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties in Bangkok and will decide if the house should be convened before its next scheduled session from Nov 1. The extraordinary session will need King Maha Vajiralongkorn's endorsement.
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters rallied in the capital for a fifth day on Sunday, defying a ban on gatherings and the threat of crackdowns by the police. The protesters have broken long-held taboos about publicly criticising the royal family and questioned laws that stifle discussion of the monarchy.
They're also calling for the resignation of Prayut's government and a rewriting of the constitution, which was drafted by a military-appointed panel after the premier, a former army chief, took power in a 2014 coup. The activists say the charter was instrumental in helping Prayut retain power after the 2019 elections.
"The government may start the process for charter amendment to reduce some pressure but it likely won't result in everything that the protesters demand," said Punchada Sirivunnabood, an associate professor of politics at Mahidol University near Bangkok.
A state of emergency in the capital and the arrests of more than 50 leaders have failed to deter the mostly student-led protesters, with the movement calling for daily demonstrations until their demands are met. The protests are gaining momentum amid the worst economic crisis facing the tourism- and trade-reliant nation, which has passed a US$60 billion (S$81.4 billion) stimulus to battle the pandemic-triggered slump.
The escalating protest movement across Thailand may still hamper the government's plan to gradually reopen tourism to foreign visitors on the back of its relative success in containing the coronavirus pandemic.
The mass gatherings have raised concerns of a renewed virus outbreak. The country reported five new local virus transmissions on the weekend from the Tak province, that borders Myanmar, which has seen a surge in cases ahead of national elections scheduled for Nov 8.
"At some point in the next two weeks, the daily protests may lose steam because it would get tiring for protesters with the police arresting leaders and dispersing crowds," Punchada said. "The protesters may change to holding big gatherings weekly or biweekly instead, although the momentum of movement will remain online."
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters rallied in Bangkok for a fifth day on Oct 18, 2020.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...decide-on-special-meeting-as-protesters-rally
BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) - Thai lawmakers are set to meet on Monday (Oct 19) to decide on convening a special Parliament session to discuss ways to end an escalating protest movement calling for the ouster of Prayut Chan-ocha's government and the reform of the monarchy.
Chuan Leekpai, speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, will meet with lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties in Bangkok and will decide if the house should be convened before its next scheduled session from Nov 1. The extraordinary session will need King Maha Vajiralongkorn's endorsement.
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters rallied in the capital for a fifth day on Sunday, defying a ban on gatherings and the threat of crackdowns by the police. The protesters have broken long-held taboos about publicly criticising the royal family and questioned laws that stifle discussion of the monarchy.
They're also calling for the resignation of Prayut's government and a rewriting of the constitution, which was drafted by a military-appointed panel after the premier, a former army chief, took power in a 2014 coup. The activists say the charter was instrumental in helping Prayut retain power after the 2019 elections.
"The government may start the process for charter amendment to reduce some pressure but it likely won't result in everything that the protesters demand," said Punchada Sirivunnabood, an associate professor of politics at Mahidol University near Bangkok.
A state of emergency in the capital and the arrests of more than 50 leaders have failed to deter the mostly student-led protesters, with the movement calling for daily demonstrations until their demands are met. The protests are gaining momentum amid the worst economic crisis facing the tourism- and trade-reliant nation, which has passed a US$60 billion (S$81.4 billion) stimulus to battle the pandemic-triggered slump.
The escalating protest movement across Thailand may still hamper the government's plan to gradually reopen tourism to foreign visitors on the back of its relative success in containing the coronavirus pandemic.
The mass gatherings have raised concerns of a renewed virus outbreak. The country reported five new local virus transmissions on the weekend from the Tak province, that borders Myanmar, which has seen a surge in cases ahead of national elections scheduled for Nov 8.
"At some point in the next two weeks, the daily protests may lose steam because it would get tiring for protesters with the police arresting leaders and dispersing crowds," Punchada said. "The protesters may change to holding big gatherings weekly or biweekly instead, although the momentum of movement will remain online."
Hand signals only: How Thais are marshalling mass protests
BANGKOK: Hands point above head = need umbrella; Hands held over head = need helmet; Hands crossed over chest = enough supplies here.
Source: Reuters/ec
BANGKOK: Hands point above head = need umbrella; Hands held over head = need helmet; Hands crossed over chest = enough supplies here.
Source: Reuters/ec
Attachments
10 international airlines selling flights to Thailand
National
Oct 20. 2020
By The Nation
Ten international airlines have started selling tickets to Thailand and the first group of special tourists is landing in Bangkok today (October 20), the Transport Ministry said.
All foreign arrivals will be required to follow procedures set by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine in alternative state quarantine (ASQ) facilities.
The airlines selling tickets to Thailand are Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Swissair, Austrian Airlines, EVA Air and KLM.
Meanwhile, a flight from Shanghai carrying Thais as well as a group of 41 tourists with special tourist visa (STV) will land in Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday at 5pm. Another group of 100 tourists from Guangzhou is scheduled to land in Bangkok on October 26.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has announced that Thailand has opened its skies, but flights are only allowed to land under strict regulations.
Thai airlines, meanwhile, have yet to seek permission for international destinations as airports overseas are open under conditions that will not generate enough profits.
National
Oct 20. 2020
By The Nation
Ten international airlines have started selling tickets to Thailand and the first group of special tourists is landing in Bangkok today (October 20), the Transport Ministry said.
All foreign arrivals will be required to follow procedures set by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine in alternative state quarantine (ASQ) facilities.
The airlines selling tickets to Thailand are Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Swissair, Austrian Airlines, EVA Air and KLM.
Meanwhile, a flight from Shanghai carrying Thais as well as a group of 41 tourists with special tourist visa (STV) will land in Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday at 5pm. Another group of 100 tourists from Guangzhou is scheduled to land in Bangkok on October 26.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has announced that Thailand has opened its skies, but flights are only allowed to land under strict regulations.
Thai airlines, meanwhile, have yet to seek permission for international destinations as airports overseas are open under conditions that will not generate enough profits.
Anti-Prayut protesters march to Govt House as police build barricade
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 21 OCT 2020 AT 17:05
UPDATED: 21 OCT 2020 AT 20:52
Anti-government protesters march from Victory Monument to Government House on Wednesday. (Bangkok Post photos)
Anti-government protesters are moving towards Government House after gathering at Victory Monument while riot police have built a barbed wire barricade on Sri Ayutthaya Road outside the Foreign Ministry to block them from reaching the prime minister's office.
Elsewhere, a group of yellow-clad people and student protesters briefly scuffled at Ramkhamhaeng University as both sides were on the campus at the same time.
Scores of royalists confronted the anti-government protesters and skirmishes broke out before the students escaped the campus. The University later closed the gates to prevent another clash as the students agreed to shift their rally to an area close to Hua Mak police station.
Earlier on Wednesday, anti-government protesters returned to Victory Monument on Wednesday to press for the ouster of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after royalists dressed in yellow assembled in several provinces, and authorities are worried about possible clashes between the two groups in the future.
The monument drew thousands of demonstrators calling for a new government and constitutional changes on Sunday.
More controversially, many are also calling for reform of the monarchy.
The highly sensitive issue of the highest institution spurred gatherings of royalists in some provinces on Wednesday.
One of the main events was in Songkhla, where about 2,000 people gathered at the district office in Sathing Phra and about 2,500 more at the district office in neighbouring Ranote.
"We are ready to protect the monarchy," Pirote Nunsawad, the village chief of Ban Moo 3 in Sathing Phra said.
About 20,000 people wearing yellow from all districts in Narathiwat gathered in Sungai Kolok, while a number of people in Chiang Mai's Muang district wore yellow attire to show their loyalty to the royal institution.
Police spokesman Yongyos Thepchamnong said on Wednesday police were worried about the possiblity of confrontations between the two groups, but said they have plans to handle all eventualities.
Police are responsible for enforcing the emergency decree that was declared in Bangkok last Thursday.
The student-led protesters and people loyal to the monarchy have tried to avoid direct confrontations, and rallies have remained peaceful so far.
No curfew - yet
Harm to Queen
Rally concerns
Govt, army rage at Twitter
RECOMMENDED
MOST RECENT
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Uni deans say decree 'unlawful'
Deans of four leading universities on Wednesday urged the House of Representatives to use a parliamentary mechanism to resolve the current political crisis and the government to lift the state of emergency.
20:01
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 21 OCT 2020 AT 17:05
UPDATED: 21 OCT 2020 AT 20:52
Anti-government protesters are moving towards Government House after gathering at Victory Monument while riot police have built a barbed wire barricade on Sri Ayutthaya Road outside the Foreign Ministry to block them from reaching the prime minister's office.
Elsewhere, a group of yellow-clad people and student protesters briefly scuffled at Ramkhamhaeng University as both sides were on the campus at the same time.
Scores of royalists confronted the anti-government protesters and skirmishes broke out before the students escaped the campus. The University later closed the gates to prevent another clash as the students agreed to shift their rally to an area close to Hua Mak police station.
Earlier on Wednesday, anti-government protesters returned to Victory Monument on Wednesday to press for the ouster of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after royalists dressed in yellow assembled in several provinces, and authorities are worried about possible clashes between the two groups in the future.
- Govt told 'to stop the use of violence'
- Cabinet gives nod for parliament to convene early
- Down on media
The monument drew thousands of demonstrators calling for a new government and constitutional changes on Sunday.
More controversially, many are also calling for reform of the monarchy.
The highly sensitive issue of the highest institution spurred gatherings of royalists in some provinces on Wednesday.
One of the main events was in Songkhla, where about 2,000 people gathered at the district office in Sathing Phra and about 2,500 more at the district office in neighbouring Ranote.
"We are ready to protect the monarchy," Pirote Nunsawad, the village chief of Ban Moo 3 in Sathing Phra said.
About 20,000 people wearing yellow from all districts in Narathiwat gathered in Sungai Kolok, while a number of people in Chiang Mai's Muang district wore yellow attire to show their loyalty to the royal institution.
Police spokesman Yongyos Thepchamnong said on Wednesday police were worried about the possiblity of confrontations between the two groups, but said they have plans to handle all eventualities.
Police are responsible for enforcing the emergency decree that was declared in Bangkok last Thursday.
The student-led protesters and people loyal to the monarchy have tried to avoid direct confrontations, and rallies have remained peaceful so far.
No curfew - yet
Harm to Queen
Rally concerns
Govt, army rage at Twitter
RECOMMENDED
MOST RECENT
THAILAND
Uni deans say decree 'unlawful'
Deans of four leading universities on Wednesday urged the House of Representatives to use a parliamentary mechanism to resolve the current political crisis and the government to lift the state of emergency.
20:01
PM offers end to 'emergency'
Protesters give Prayut 3 days to step down
Bangkok POst PUBLISHED : 22 OCT 2020 AT 04:00
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha appears in a TV Pool address last night promising to lift the state of emergency. Pattanapong Hirunard
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday night suggested everyone take a step back in the conflict between the government and anti-government movement.
The premier offered to lift the state of emergency but asked his opponents to reciprocate by toning down their hateful and divisive speeches.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate this situation. I am currently preparing to lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok and will do so promptly if there are no violent incidents," he said in a TV broadcast Wednesday night.
"I ask the protesters to reciprocate with sincerity, to turn down the volume on hateful and divisive talk," he said.
"Let us respect the law and parliamentary democracy, and let our views be presented through our representatives in parliament," said Gen Prayut, referring to the cabinet's decision to support a proposal to convene a special parliamentary session to discuss ways to defuse the ongoing political conflict.
The PM said that as leader of the government he was responsible for reconciling opposing views, especially extremist ones, so that people could live peacefully together in a country that belonged to everyone.
An ideal solution to the current conflict would be one that was fair for not only those taking to the streets but also those many million others who chose not to join the protests, he said.
"Now that the protesters have made their voices and views heard, it is time for them to let their views be reconciled with the views of other segments of Thai society through their representatives in parliament," he said.
The PM urged all sides to not repeat past mistakes that might see political conflicts end in violence.
Thailand would not get the ideal society everyone wanted by wielding metal bars or through offences against institutions that were held in the highest respect, he said, but through a willingness to listen to and compromise with others.
Despite the prime minister sounding a softer tone in the address, anti-government leaders still insist they want him to stand down.
Earlier Wednesday, anti-government protesters returned to Victory Monument to press for the PM's resignation after yellow-clad royalists assembled in several provinces, and authorities feared further clashes between the two groups.
The protesters started converging on the Bangkok landmark after organisers went on social media and identified it as their principal protest venue.
Thousands of demonstrators flocked to there and repeated their calls for a new government and constitutional changes. They also marched to Government House to submit a resignation letter for the prime minister to sign, but were blocked by police officers.
Deputy-secretary-general to the PM, political affairs, Prateep Keeratireka, accepted the letter on the PM's behalf and the protesters duly vowed to take a step back if the prime minister resigned within three days and ended all legal action against their leaders.
Tens of thousands of protesters marching from the Victory Monument to Phitsanulok Road encountered a wall of barriers fortified by barbed wire erected by police officers at the Uruphong intersection.
His Majesty the King on Wednesday issued a royal decree supporting the special parliamentary session that is due to begin next Monday, according to an announcement published on the website of the Royal Gazette.
Earlier in the day, Pol Maj Gen Yingyos Thepchamnong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, dismissed a rumour spreading among the anti-government protesters that the police were considering using live bullets to kill them.
He called it a malicious rumour and police were pursuing legal action against those behind it.
Since Oct 13, police have detained 77 people, 22 on criminal charges, 54 for violating the emergency decree and one for resisting a police order, he said.
Asked if a social media post by Pareena Kraikupt, a ruling Palang Pracharath Party MP for Ratchaburi, who urged the anti-government protesters' opponents to come out to protest as well was a violation of the emergency decree, Pol Maj Gen Yingyos insisted the police would take legal action against any side found inciting violence or violating the emergency decree.
Following Wednesday's anti-government protester gatherings, the operators of BTS SkyTrain and Airport Rail Link responded to the government's joint Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation's (CRES) announcement by announcing a suspension of their services.
BTS services at four stations -- Sanam Pao, Victory Monument, Phaya Thai and Ratchathewi -- were suspended from 3.30pm until 7pm.
Anti-government protesters on Wednesday attempt to break through a police line at Uruphong intersection as they marched to Government House. Pornprom Satrabhaya
Protesters give Prayut 3 days to step down
Bangkok POst PUBLISHED : 22 OCT 2020 AT 04:00
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday night suggested everyone take a step back in the conflict between the government and anti-government movement.
The premier offered to lift the state of emergency but asked his opponents to reciprocate by toning down their hateful and divisive speeches.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate this situation. I am currently preparing to lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok and will do so promptly if there are no violent incidents," he said in a TV broadcast Wednesday night.
"I ask the protesters to reciprocate with sincerity, to turn down the volume on hateful and divisive talk," he said.
"Let us respect the law and parliamentary democracy, and let our views be presented through our representatives in parliament," said Gen Prayut, referring to the cabinet's decision to support a proposal to convene a special parliamentary session to discuss ways to defuse the ongoing political conflict.
The PM said that as leader of the government he was responsible for reconciling opposing views, especially extremist ones, so that people could live peacefully together in a country that belonged to everyone.
An ideal solution to the current conflict would be one that was fair for not only those taking to the streets but also those many million others who chose not to join the protests, he said.
"Now that the protesters have made their voices and views heard, it is time for them to let their views be reconciled with the views of other segments of Thai society through their representatives in parliament," he said.
The PM urged all sides to not repeat past mistakes that might see political conflicts end in violence.
Thailand would not get the ideal society everyone wanted by wielding metal bars or through offences against institutions that were held in the highest respect, he said, but through a willingness to listen to and compromise with others.
Despite the prime minister sounding a softer tone in the address, anti-government leaders still insist they want him to stand down.
Earlier Wednesday, anti-government protesters returned to Victory Monument to press for the PM's resignation after yellow-clad royalists assembled in several provinces, and authorities feared further clashes between the two groups.
The protesters started converging on the Bangkok landmark after organisers went on social media and identified it as their principal protest venue.
Thousands of demonstrators flocked to there and repeated their calls for a new government and constitutional changes. They also marched to Government House to submit a resignation letter for the prime minister to sign, but were blocked by police officers.
Deputy-secretary-general to the PM, political affairs, Prateep Keeratireka, accepted the letter on the PM's behalf and the protesters duly vowed to take a step back if the prime minister resigned within three days and ended all legal action against their leaders.
Tens of thousands of protesters marching from the Victory Monument to Phitsanulok Road encountered a wall of barriers fortified by barbed wire erected by police officers at the Uruphong intersection.
His Majesty the King on Wednesday issued a royal decree supporting the special parliamentary session that is due to begin next Monday, according to an announcement published on the website of the Royal Gazette.
Earlier in the day, Pol Maj Gen Yingyos Thepchamnong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, dismissed a rumour spreading among the anti-government protesters that the police were considering using live bullets to kill them.
He called it a malicious rumour and police were pursuing legal action against those behind it.
Since Oct 13, police have detained 77 people, 22 on criminal charges, 54 for violating the emergency decree and one for resisting a police order, he said.
Asked if a social media post by Pareena Kraikupt, a ruling Palang Pracharath Party MP for Ratchaburi, who urged the anti-government protesters' opponents to come out to protest as well was a violation of the emergency decree, Pol Maj Gen Yingyos insisted the police would take legal action against any side found inciting violence or violating the emergency decree.
Following Wednesday's anti-government protester gatherings, the operators of BTS SkyTrain and Airport Rail Link responded to the government's joint Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation's (CRES) announcement by announcing a suspension of their services.
BTS services at four stations -- Sanam Pao, Victory Monument, Phaya Thai and Ratchathewi -- were suspended from 3.30pm until 7pm.
Anti-government protesters on Wednesday attempt to break through a police line at Uruphong intersection as they marched to Government House. Pornprom Satrabhaya
- 27
FAST AND FURIOUS FOOD: PROTESTERS BAFFLED BY SPEED OF CART VENDORS
By
Khaosod English
October 20, 2020 5:44 pm
A fried chicken cart at the Kaset Intersection protest on Oct. 20, 2020.
BANGKOK — At nearly every venue marked for protests, kilometers ahead of the press, activists – and light years ahead of the police – are none other than hawkers of fried chicken, fish balls, and sausages.
Minutes after pro-democracy protest pages posted the location of Monday’s protest, motorized street food carts were already staking their ground, frying up crispy street food snacks in anticipation of heavy foot traffic.
Throughout the protests over the past week, netizens have noticed that these vendors are the first to arrive at protest sites even before the demonstrators and activists who called the rallies.
The secret, vendors interviewed Monday at the Kaset Intersection said, is following pro-democracy social media and setting out for the protest site as soon as the announcement is posted with maximum haste.
“I’m usually one of the first people here. I follow the main page, Free Youth, and then head there immediately,” a fried chicken seller said. “I have already prepared all the food since morning.”
She said that she made as much as 50 percent more profit than other days, and sold out within a few hours at protests. Usually, she would have to sell roadside for six hours, hawking chicken wings for 15 baht apiece.
“It’s really profitable,” she said.
A fishball seller close by said that protests were a boon for his cart business.
“I completely ran out,” he said. “Normally, I never do. So this is giving me a lot of profit.”
Our interview with street food carts begin at 22:07.
Another explanation is the nature of their work. Unlike students or office workers who may need a couple of hours to get off work before arriving at the protests, the sellers who sell food full time can immediately head to the sites chosen for rallies.
A pair of sausage and fish ball carts interviewed by Khaosod English also said that they follow the protest page and alert each other to come to the protest site as soon as possible.
“I came with my friends. We’re working as a team,” said the seller who normally hawks at Wong Sawang area, about six kilometers from the Kaset Intersection.
T
witter: Pcys04
Protesters: No one can catch up to us now, we’re so sneaky in changing up the protest locations!
Fish ball sellers:
By
Khaosod English
October 20, 2020 5:44 pm
A fried chicken cart at the Kaset Intersection protest on Oct. 20, 2020.
BANGKOK — At nearly every venue marked for protests, kilometers ahead of the press, activists – and light years ahead of the police – are none other than hawkers of fried chicken, fish balls, and sausages.
Minutes after pro-democracy protest pages posted the location of Monday’s protest, motorized street food carts were already staking their ground, frying up crispy street food snacks in anticipation of heavy foot traffic.
Throughout the protests over the past week, netizens have noticed that these vendors are the first to arrive at protest sites even before the demonstrators and activists who called the rallies.
The secret, vendors interviewed Monday at the Kaset Intersection said, is following pro-democracy social media and setting out for the protest site as soon as the announcement is posted with maximum haste.
“I’m usually one of the first people here. I follow the main page, Free Youth, and then head there immediately,” a fried chicken seller said. “I have already prepared all the food since morning.”
She said that she made as much as 50 percent more profit than other days, and sold out within a few hours at protests. Usually, she would have to sell roadside for six hours, hawking chicken wings for 15 baht apiece.
“It’s really profitable,” she said.
A fishball seller close by said that protests were a boon for his cart business.
“I completely ran out,” he said. “Normally, I never do. So this is giving me a lot of profit.”
Our interview with street food carts begin at 22:07.
Another explanation is the nature of their work. Unlike students or office workers who may need a couple of hours to get off work before arriving at the protests, the sellers who sell food full time can immediately head to the sites chosen for rallies.
A pair of sausage and fish ball carts interviewed by Khaosod English also said that they follow the protest page and alert each other to come to the protest site as soon as possible.
“I came with my friends. We’re working as a team,” said the seller who normally hawks at Wong Sawang area, about six kilometers from the Kaset Intersection.
witter: Pcys04
Protesters: No one can catch up to us now, we’re so sneaky in changing up the protest locations!
Fish ball sellers:
Prayut capitulated?!
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2006459/state-of-emergency-ends-in-bangkok
State of emergency ends in Bangkok
UPDATED: 22 OCT 2020 AT 12:44
Riot police wait behind razor wire for political demonstrators at Tuek Chai intersection in Bangkok on Wednesday evening, just before the prime minister offered to end the state of severe emergency declared in Bangkok. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has revoked his state of severe emergency declaration in Bangkok, and related orders, effective from noon on Thursday, saying the violence that prompted it is over.
The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette.
It said the state of emergency declarations were issued on Oct 15 and 16 to stop offences against the royal institution and unrest. The declarations had been set to be valid until Nov 13.
On Thursday Gen Prayut said that the violent situation had ended and government officials were able to enforce relevant laws to solve problems.
On Wednesday night, the prime minister said in a TV Pool address that everyone should take a step back in the conflict between the government and the anti-government movement.
He offered to lift the state of emergency, and asked that his opponents to reciprocate by toning down their hateful and divisive speeches.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate this situation. I am currently preparing to lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok and will do so promptly if there are no violent incidents," he said on Wednesday night.
"I ask the protesters to reciprocate with sincerity, to turn down the volume on hateful and divisive talk," he said.
He also said that demonstrators should let members of the parliament, who represent the whole population, discuss the political problems and solutions.
However, demonstrators on Wednesday night again demanded that Gen Prayut resign from office within three days and ignored his suggestion of relying on the parliamentary process.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2006459/state-of-emergency-ends-in-bangkok
State of emergency ends in Bangkok
UPDATED: 22 OCT 2020 AT 12:44
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has revoked his state of severe emergency declaration in Bangkok, and related orders, effective from noon on Thursday, saying the violence that prompted it is over.
The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette.
It said the state of emergency declarations were issued on Oct 15 and 16 to stop offences against the royal institution and unrest. The declarations had been set to be valid until Nov 13.
On Thursday Gen Prayut said that the violent situation had ended and government officials were able to enforce relevant laws to solve problems.
- Pro-democracy activist Passaravalee arrested, bailed
- Ending 'emergency'
- Govt told 'to stop the use of violence'
On Wednesday night, the prime minister said in a TV Pool address that everyone should take a step back in the conflict between the government and the anti-government movement.
He offered to lift the state of emergency, and asked that his opponents to reciprocate by toning down their hateful and divisive speeches.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate this situation. I am currently preparing to lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok and will do so promptly if there are no violent incidents," he said on Wednesday night.
"I ask the protesters to reciprocate with sincerity, to turn down the volume on hateful and divisive talk," he said.
He also said that demonstrators should let members of the parliament, who represent the whole population, discuss the political problems and solutions.
However, demonstrators on Wednesday night again demanded that Gen Prayut resign from office within three days and ignored his suggestion of relying on the parliamentary process.
Thai protesters reject PM Prayut's olive branch, give him 3 days to resign
Thousands of demonstrators on Oct 21 broke through police barricades to march towards Mr Prayut's official office.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Thousands of demonstrators on Wednesday (Oct 21) night broke through police barricades and barbed wire to march towards Mr Prayut's official office.
They gathered near the building, known as Government House, shortly after the Prime Minister said his government is prepared to withdraw emergency rules banning large gatherings in the capital if the protest remain peaceful.
"We submitted the letter for Prayut to resign, which is one of our three demands," Free Youth, one of the main protest organisations, said in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.
"If the government doesn't give an answer within three days, the people will return with higher demands than before."
Mr Prayut has struggled to stem the mounting street demonstrations, which have used Hong Kong-style pop-up rallies to avoid police and defy an emergency decree issued last week.
The government has shown no signs of meeting the protester's demands, which would upend the royalist elite that has maintained power throughout much of Thailand's history, but it has also sought to avoid bloodshed that could further roil the economy.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate this situation," Mr Prayut said in an address to the nation on Wednesday.
"I am currently preparing to lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok and will do so promptly if there are no violent incidents."
Thai protesters plan to surround PM's office, openly defy King
Thai royalists confront pro-democracy protesters in Bangkok
The protests are underpinned by years of sluggish growth now exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has put the Thai economy on course for its worst performance ever by derailing the two main drivers: tourism and trade. The benchmark SET Index of stocks has lost 23 per cent this year.
Thailand's financial markets will take a wait-and-see approach to the protests and the government's response, said Dr Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank Pcl in Bangkok.
"It remains to be seen if the emergency would hurt the government's plan to gradually reopen tourism to foreign visitors from this month," Dr Leelahaphan said.
"While the political situation has so far been under control, the lingering protests do not bode well for the Thai economic recovery."
The demonstrations have shown no signs of letting up, and have even started to spread to other parts of Thailand. They have broken long-held taboos about publicly criticising the royal family, with demands for the monarch to no longer endorse coups, provide transparency in how funds are spent, and get rid of laws that stifle discussion of the royal family.
Simultaneous rallies by pro-royalist groups in support of King Maha Vajiralongkorn also raised fears of clashes between the rival groups. Past protest movements in Thailand have ended in bloody crackdowns, most recently in 2010.
Thai leaders have no easy options to end anti-monarchy protests
Thailand cracks down on protesters: A timeline of events
Mr Prayut, a former army chief who staged a coup in 2014, urged the protesters to trust the parliamentary process to address their grievances during a special session next week and said the government and the activists should "each take a step back" and "find solutions to the problems".
The king endorsed the session to be held from Oct 26, according to a Royal Gazette notification on Wednesday.
The youth-led protesters are also calling for the resignation of Mr Prayut's government and a rewriting of the constitution, which was drafted by a military-appointed panel after the 2014 coup. The activists say the charter was instrumental in helping Mr Prayut retain power after the 2019 elections.
The Prime Minister said it was time to break the cycle of government leaders having to face mobs of opposing groups to prevent the country from becoming ungovernable and descending into chaos.
"The only sure way to achieve a sustainable, enduring resolution to the problems is to speak to each other, respect the due process of law, and then let the will of the people be resolved in parliament," Mr Prayut said. "That is the only way."
Thousands of demonstrators on Oct 21 broke through police barricades to march towards Mr Prayut's official office.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
- Bangkok Post
3 HOURS AGO
Thousands of demonstrators on Wednesday (Oct 21) night broke through police barricades and barbed wire to march towards Mr Prayut's official office.
They gathered near the building, known as Government House, shortly after the Prime Minister said his government is prepared to withdraw emergency rules banning large gatherings in the capital if the protest remain peaceful.
"We submitted the letter for Prayut to resign, which is one of our three demands," Free Youth, one of the main protest organisations, said in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.
"If the government doesn't give an answer within three days, the people will return with higher demands than before."
Mr Prayut has struggled to stem the mounting street demonstrations, which have used Hong Kong-style pop-up rallies to avoid police and defy an emergency decree issued last week.
The government has shown no signs of meeting the protester's demands, which would upend the royalist elite that has maintained power throughout much of Thailand's history, but it has also sought to avoid bloodshed that could further roil the economy.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate this situation," Mr Prayut said in an address to the nation on Wednesday.
"I am currently preparing to lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok and will do so promptly if there are no violent incidents."
Thai protesters plan to surround PM's office, openly defy King
Thai royalists confront pro-democracy protesters in Bangkok
The protests are underpinned by years of sluggish growth now exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has put the Thai economy on course for its worst performance ever by derailing the two main drivers: tourism and trade. The benchmark SET Index of stocks has lost 23 per cent this year.
Thailand's financial markets will take a wait-and-see approach to the protests and the government's response, said Dr Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank Pcl in Bangkok.
"It remains to be seen if the emergency would hurt the government's plan to gradually reopen tourism to foreign visitors from this month," Dr Leelahaphan said.
"While the political situation has so far been under control, the lingering protests do not bode well for the Thai economic recovery."
The demonstrations have shown no signs of letting up, and have even started to spread to other parts of Thailand. They have broken long-held taboos about publicly criticising the royal family, with demands for the monarch to no longer endorse coups, provide transparency in how funds are spent, and get rid of laws that stifle discussion of the royal family.
Simultaneous rallies by pro-royalist groups in support of King Maha Vajiralongkorn also raised fears of clashes between the rival groups. Past protest movements in Thailand have ended in bloody crackdowns, most recently in 2010.
Thai leaders have no easy options to end anti-monarchy protests
Thailand cracks down on protesters: A timeline of events
Mr Prayut, a former army chief who staged a coup in 2014, urged the protesters to trust the parliamentary process to address their grievances during a special session next week and said the government and the activists should "each take a step back" and "find solutions to the problems".
The king endorsed the session to be held from Oct 26, according to a Royal Gazette notification on Wednesday.
The youth-led protesters are also calling for the resignation of Mr Prayut's government and a rewriting of the constitution, which was drafted by a military-appointed panel after the 2014 coup. The activists say the charter was instrumental in helping Mr Prayut retain power after the 2019 elections.
The Prime Minister said it was time to break the cycle of government leaders having to face mobs of opposing groups to prevent the country from becoming ungovernable and descending into chaos.
"The only sure way to achieve a sustainable, enduring resolution to the problems is to speak to each other, respect the due process of law, and then let the will of the people be resolved in parliament," Mr Prayut said. "That is the only way."
Prayut capitulated?!
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2006459/state-of-emergency-ends-in-bangkok
State of emergency ends in Bangkok
UPDATED: 22 OCT 2020 AT 12:44
Riot police wait behind razor wire for political demonstrators at Tuek Chai intersection in Bangkok on Wednesday evening, just before the prime minister offered to end the state of severe emergency declared in Bangkok. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has revoked his state of severe emergency declaration in Bangkok, and related orders, effective from noon on Thursday, saying the violence that prompted it is over.
The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette.
It said the state of emergency declarations were issued on Oct 15 and 16 to stop offences against the royal institution and unrest. The declarations had been set to be valid until Nov 13.
On Thursday Gen Prayut said that the violent situation had ended and government officials were able to enforce relevant laws to solve problems.
Therefore, he had revoked the state of emergency declarations and related announcements, requirements and orders, effective from noon.
- Pro-democracy activist Passaravalee arrested, bailed
- Ending 'emergency'
- Govt told 'to stop the use of violence'
On Wednesday night, the prime minister said in a TV Pool address that everyone should take a step back in the conflict between the government and the anti-government movement.
He offered to lift the state of emergency, and asked that his opponents to reciprocate by toning down their hateful and divisive speeches.
"I will make the first move to de-escalate this situation. I am currently preparing to lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok and will do so promptly if there are no violent incidents," he said on Wednesday night.
"I ask the protesters to reciprocate with sincerity, to turn down the volume on hateful and divisive talk," he said.
He also said that demonstrators should let members of the parliament, who represent the whole population, discuss the political problems and solutions.
However, demonstrators on Wednesday night again demanded that Gen Prayut resign from office within three days and ignored his suggestion of relying on the parliamentary process.
I know emergency decree had been imposed for months but as long as everybody is concerned nobody gives a damn no one feels there’s such a decree
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