Thai protesters call for royal reform with ‘People’s Plaque’
The mass student-led rally that began Saturday is the largest this year
Bangkok, Sept. 20: Antigovernment demonstrators occupying a historic field in the Thai capital on Sunday installed a plaque symbolising the country’s transition to democracy to replace the original one that was mysteriously ripped and stolen three years ago, as they vowed to press on with calls for new elections and reform of the monarchy. The mass student-led rally that began on Saturday is the largest in a series of protests this year, with thousands camping overnight at Sanam Luang field near the royal palace. On Sunday, they began marching to an undisclosed location, saying they want to hand over a petition to the king’s adviser.
A group of activists drilled a hole in front of a makeshift stage in Sanam Luang and laid down a round brass plaque, commemorating a 1932 revolution that changed Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. “At the dawn of September 20, here is where the people proclaim that this country belongs to the people,” read part of the inscription on the plaque. In April 2017, the original plaque vanished from Bangkok’s Royal Plaza and was replaced by one praising the monarchy.
“The nation does not belong to only one person, but belongs to us all. Therefore, I would like to ask holy spirits to stay with us and bless the people's victory,” student leader Parit “Penguin” Chirawak said.
Another activist, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, said their demands do not propose getting rid of the monarchy. “They are proposals with good intentions to make the institution of the monarchy remain graciously above the people under democratic
rule.” Still, such calls took the nation by surprise.
Protesters’ demands seek to limit the king's powers, establish tighter controls on palace finances and allow open discussion of the monarchy. Their boldness was unprecedented, as the monarchy is considered sacrosanct in Thailand with a harsh law that mandates a three- to 15year prison term for defaming it. Organisers had predicted that as many as 50,000 people would take part in the weekend’s protest, but AP reporters estimated 20,000 people were present. “By holding their protest on Sanam Luang, the protesters have won a significant victory,” said Tyrell Haberkorn, a Thai studies scholar at the University of WisconsinMadison.