On the premises of Thammasat University, during Thailand’s anti-government protest, 3,000- 4,000 students challenged the government and conservative establishment as royalist rivals held their own rally.
Protesters chanted the slogans “Long live democracy” and gave bold anti-government speeches demanding Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, to resign immediately.
Previously there were anti-government rallies in front of Parliament House where student protests were seen as a threat to Thailand’s monarchy which is considered to be a sacred institution.
National activists Sumet Trakulwoonoo announced a new pro-government group, the Coordination Center of Vocational Students for the Protection of National Institutions (CVPI).
Sumet while talking to some reporters said, “We’re setting up to remind youth groups, parents, teachers, and officials about the danger to the nation from these people who are instigating youth to become godless and obsessed with Western culture, do drugs and hate their parents and teachers.”
The anti-government protesters have expressed their dissent over the monarchy which is a very sensitive topic and some of them have even demanded reforms in it.
The students accused the pro-government demonstrators of trying to create confrontation that could lead to another military intervention.
Nick Thanawit, a student activist from Maha Sarakham University while addressing the crowd said, “We do not want this and will oppose it.”
Police even detained two activists who were active participants of student protests against the charges of sedition and breaking restrictions to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Although later they were released on bail.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that several other protesters around the country had been harassed.
Thailand’s HRW senior researcher Sunai Phasuk gave a statement “Legal action and harassment are intensifying despite Prime Minister Prayuth’s promises that the government would listen to the dissenters’ demands and concerns,”
According to reports the government deputy spokeswoman, Rachada Dhnadirek denied blocking student activism. And she also said that “We don’t want to see violence or expressions beyond the bounds of the law.”
The Kashmiriyat is now on Google play. Download the App HERE