Cops on edge as revolution feted
POLICE MASS ON ROYAL PLAZA FOR ANNIVERSARY OF 1932 COUP
>> Authorities have stepped up security at locations linked to the 1932 Siamese Revolution following reports that antigovernment groups plan to hold activities to observe the 85th anniversary of the revolution, which fell yesterday.
National police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda attended a meeting at the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) during the day to check on operations aimed at maintaining order at the Royal Plaza, where gatherings were expected. Also present was Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) chief Pol Lt Gen Thitirat Nongharnpitak.
The meeting followed reports that five political groups would hold activities, such as playing music or laying flowers, to mark the event. However, political activities are banned under a National Council for Peace and Order decree.
A company of 150 police officers were deployed to maintain order.
Anont Nampa, of an anti-government group calling itself Resisting Citizens, wrote on his Facebook page that soldiers took Akechai Hongkangwan, a member of the group, on a passenger van to the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok’s Dusit district for talks yesterday.
Mr Anont said the military did not want the group to hold activities at the Royal Plaza.
Previously, Mr Akechai wrote on his Facebook page that he would bring a new plaque, which resembles the memorial of the 1932 revolution that mysteriously disappeared from the Royal Plaza in April, and put it where it belongs to mark the anniversary.
The original plaque, which had been fitted into the road near the King Rama V equestrian statue at the Royal Plaza in Dusit district, was later replaced by a new one, causing outrage among activists who demanded to know the whereabouts of the original.
The brass plaque marks the spot where the Khana Ratsadon — a group of military and civil officers — announced the revolution on June 24, 1932, changing the country’s absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
A group of students calling itself Seree Kasetsart (Liberal Kasetsart) held meritmaking activities at Wat Prasri Mahadhat in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district to mark the anniversary yesterday.
The group also issued a statement criticising the military regime for restricting freedom of speech and accusing it of using heavy-handed measures to deal with its critics.
The group said the public should have the right to freely express their political views and the government should protect this right rather than trample on it.
Seree Kasetsart also demanded the government restore democracy immediately, as per Khana Ratsadon’s goal.
Plainclothes and uniformed officers were seen observing and taking pictures during the group’s activities.
Some members told reporters officers had visited their homes and telephoned to ask Kasetsart University whether the group sought its permission to stage the activities. The students said they considered this an intimidation tactic.
Speaking at a seminar at Thammasat University to mark the anniversary, social critic Sulak Sivaraksa said that a willingness to listen to different opinions is vital to any democracy.
He said hopes should not be pinned on a few powerful people and that justice would be restored only after all sectors are allowed to scrutinise those in power. Mr Sulak also demanded the military regime step down.
Maj Puttinart Paholpolpay uhasena, the 78- year-olds on of Phraya Phahonphonphayuhasena, who was part of the Khana Ratsadon, told the seminar that he was proud that his father and the group’s achievements.
Earlier, police invited the speakers to discuss the scope and content of the seminar to ensure they would not stir up political conflict.
The Pridi Banomyong Institute in Soi Thong Lor on Sukhumvit Road yesterday also held a discussion forum to mark the event.
Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute, told the forum that democracy remains elusive and the status quo is a far cry from the aspirations of Pridi Banomyong, a key figure of Khana Ratsadon.