Thai demonstrators press demands
BANGKOK — Pro-democracy demonstrators in Thailand, undeterred by arrest warrants and the possibility of violent attacks, staged another rally Friday, poking fun at their critics and warning of the possibility of a military coup.
The potential for violence was illustrated after their last rally Wednesday, when in the hours after it ended, two men were reportedly shot and critically wounded. Although the incident remains murky and its connection to the rally unclear, it was a reminder that the student protesters are vulnerable.
The movement’s core demands are for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended to be more democratic, and the monarchy to be revised to make it more accountable.
Their demand concerning the monarchy is the most controversial and earns them the most enemies. The royal institution by law and tradition is virtually untouchable, and regarded by many as the bedrock of national identity. The military has declared defense of the monarchy to be among its foremost duties.
The protest leaders believe that King Maha Vajiralongkorn holds more power than is appropriate under a constitutional monarchy, and have made that the centerpiece of their campaigning in recent weeks. Although any criticism of the monarchy used to be taboo, speeches at the rallies — as well as signs and chants — include caustic words about the king and the palace.
Thai authorities this past week escalated their battle against protest leaders, charging 12 of them with violating a law against defaming the monarchy that carries a penalty of three to 15 years’ imprisonment.