Thai PM will use ‘all laws’ against protesters

PRAYUTH CHAN- OCHA, Thailand’s prime minister, yesterday threatened to use all laws possible against protesters, as demonstrations escalated for his removal, and for reforms to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Activists warned this could mean the resumption of prosecutions under some of the world’s harshest royal insult laws.

“Prayuth has declared a battle against the people,” Arnon Nampa, rights lawyer and protest leader, said. “For civil servants who have not chosen sides, you need to decide whether to live in the past or to build a future with us.”

Since July, protests have become the greatest challenge to Thailand’s establishment in years, and broken a longstanding taboo by criticising the monarchy, which can carry a prison term of up to 15 years.

Mr Prayuth’s announcement came a day after thousands of protesters threw paint at the headquarters of the police in what they said was a response to the use of water cannon and tear gas on Tuesday, the most violent day of protests since July. Some protesters also sprayed anti-monarchy graffiti.

“The situation is not improving,” Mr Prayuth said. “There is a risk of escalation to more violence. If not addressed, it could damage the country and the beloved monarchy. The government will intensify its actions, and use all laws, all articles, to take action against protesters who broke the law.”

He did not specify whether this included Article 112 of the criminal code, which forbids insulting the monarchy. Earlier this year, he said that it was not being used at the request of the king.

Police have been collecting evidence since July for possible prosecutions for violating the article but had not taken further steps, a police source said.

On social media, some royalists called for the application of Article 112 in response to the anti-monarchy graffiti.

Dozens of protesters, including leaders, have been arrested on a variety of charges in recent months, though not for criticising the monarchy.