Anti-government demonstration in Bangkok, Thailand Appeal for constitutional amendment and royal government reform September 19, 19:23
In Thailand, where anti-government protests continue, protests, which are expected to be the largest since the inauguration of the Prayut administration, began in the capital Bangkok, and young people appealed for constitutional amendments and royal reforms.
In Thailand, young people continue to protest against the government, saying that Prime Minister Prayut, who led the military coup, has continued to lead the administration after last year's general election and is taking a strong stance against the background of military influence. He criticized the king for confirming the current administration and even appealed for monarchy reform.
On the 19th, young people broke a gate and rushed into the premises of Thammasat University in the capital Bangkok, and held a protest demonstration in and around the university's playground, which is expected to be the largest since the inauguration of the Prayut administration. ..
Young people in the hosting group complained that "Prime Minister Prayut should resign" and "Why aren't you in Thailand" about the king who has been abroad for a long time? He appealed for the dissolution of the parliament and the reform of the monarchy.
Participants said, "This country has the injustice that only the poor are cracked down by law and the rich are overlooked." "This country is retreating and wants to change to move forward again. "And so on.
It is expected that more than 50,000 people, mainly young people such as university students and high school students, will participate in this demonstration. After the rally until late at night on the 19th, they will march toward government facilities in the early morning of the 20th. However, I will hand over the request form.
In response, the Prayut administration has increased its vigilance against the actions of the demonstrators, such as by assigning approximately 10,000 police officers to guard government facilities and ordering the military to prepare for dispatch.
The demand for "monarchy reform" that has been taboo
In this anti-government demonstration, the demand for monarchy reform, which has been taboo even to be discussed, is now openly advocated.
The background is the change in public awareness of the royal family after the death of former King Bhumibol four years ago and the throne of the current King Wachiralongkorn.
Especially on SNS, posts that question the strengthened authority of the king have been actively posted, and from last month there have been calls for monarchy reform at rallies and demonstrations.
Of these, a group of students from Thammasat University have abolished the constitutional provisions that prohibited criticism of the king, and abolished blasphemy charges, which impose a maximum of 15 years in prison for defaming the king. We have set requirements and are requesting the government and parliament to implement and consider them.
Student groups argue that these laws violate freedom of expression and hinder true democratization, saying the administration is using them arbitrarily to crack down on rebel movements. ..
In addition, regarding the royal property, which is estimated to be several trillion yen in Japanese yen, the government and the individual royal family will be clearly separated, and the royal budget allocated by the government will be reduced according to the financial situation of the country. I am.
In addition, there is an item that ▽ the king should be prohibited from expressing political opinions in public and approving the coup d'etat.
The administration and royal supporters
The Prayut administration has been reluctant to reform the monarchy that young people are seeking, and has remained determined to take decisive steps against criticism of the royal family.
In addition, the division of the people is deepening, as groups defending the royal family hold rallies in various places to blame the young people for never allowing criticism of the royal family.
On the other hand, the Prayut administration has shown a positive attitude toward constitutional amendment and is about to start full-scale discussions in the Diet.
However, it has been pointed out that there are complicated procedures for constitutional amendment, and it will take four to five years. is spreading.
In addition, there is a growing sense of crisis among young people about the future of the administration, and there are concerns that the Prayut administration may use force to suppress the movement to seek monarchy reform to show loyalty to the king. Is also up.
There is also a deep-rooted view among young people that the military may launch another military coup with the aim of restoring order as the Prayut administration faces the greatest crisis since its inauguration.
A feeling of blockage becomes stronger due to the deterioration of the Thai economy
The rapid deterioration of Thailand's economy due to the spread of the new coronavirus has also spurred people's sense of blockage.
Thailand's GDP = gross domestic product growth from April to June was actually minus 12.2% compared to the same period last year, since the second quarter of 1998, which was affected by the Asian currency crisis. It was the first decline in 22 years.
The government has shown a harsh outlook since the Asian currency crisis, with annual GDP of around minus 7.5%.
In Thailand, the export industry is the driving force of the economy, with Japanese automobile manufacturers setting up production bases, but the decline in the export industry and the inability of foreign tourists to enter the country have seriously affected the tourism industry. It has led to a deterioration in the economy and employment.
Thailand's unemployment rate has risen to nearly 2%, the highest level in 11 years, and the employment situation is likely to be even more severe considering day laborers not included in the statistics.
The Thai industry said that 2.5 million jobs were lost in the first half of the year, mainly in the export industry and tourism, and that the employment situation could worsen if effective measures were not taken. I want a quick response.
In Thailand, the economic disparity between urban and rural areas is said to be large, and there is a survey that the income disparity between the top 20% of income groups and the bottom 20% of poor farmers is more than 10 times higher.
Many people cover their families' living expenses by migrating from rural areas to Bangkok, etc., and the deterioration of the economy and employment directly hits the lives of these people, which is also a factor that raises people's dissatisfaction.