Thai pro-democracy protesters flex muscle

The plan is not to destroy the monarchy but to modernize it, to adapt it to our society

BANGKOK, Thailand (AFP) — A youth-led pro-democracy movement is set to make a massive stand in Bangkok Saturday, with an expected turnout of tens of thousands calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy. Thailand has seen near-daily gatherings from youth-led groups since mid-July demanding the resignation of Prayut, the former army chief behind the 2014 coup, and a complete overhaul of his administration.

Some are also demanding reforms to the kingdom’s ultra-wealthy and powerful monarchy — a once-taboo topic in Thailand due to its draconian royal defamation laws.

We are fighting for more democracy.

The burgeoning movement, partly inspired by Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, remains largely leaderless.

But the weekend’s demonstration is organized by students of Bangkok’s Thammasat University — a group that has been among the most vocal about the royal family’s role in the kingdom.

“We are fighting for more democracy,” said prominent student activist Panusaya Sit hij ira watt ana ku lon the eve of the protest.

“The plan is not to destroy the monarchy but to modernize it, to adapt it to our society.”

The demonstration will kick off at Thammasat University Saturday afternoon, before moving to the historic Sanam Luang field in front of the royal palace, where protesters plan to spend the night.

On Sunday, demonstrators are expected to march to the nearby Government House — a move authorities have warned against.

The show of force is expected to be the largest since the 2014 coup; student activists are hoping for a turnout of more than 50,000 supporters.

Police say some 10,000 officers will be deployed around the area.

A cycle of violent protests and coups has long plagued Thailand, with the arch-royalist military stepping in to stage more than a dozen putsches since the end of royal absolutism in 1932.

The latest wave of student-led demonstrations has largely been peaceful.

But unprecedented calls from some protesters for frank discussions about the monarchy have sent shockwaves through the kingdom.