Thailand's democracy protests

In 2020 there was a return of pro-democracy demonstrations in Thailand. Since the military coup in 2014 there have been several waves of demonstrations in which protesters, mostly young students, call for the drafting of a new constitution, the dissolution of the government and respect for human rights in the nation. 

Despite criticism of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, most of the protesters are not anti-monarchist, but want limits placed on his powers. According to the 2007 Constitution, the King is a figurehead and symbol of the Thai nation as the sovereignty of the state rests with the people. He is also the head of the Armed Forces, is required to be a Buddhist and upholds the beliefs and values of the country. But in 2017, under the military junta government, the monarch's powers were increased. 

This is a very sensitive issue for the Thai population because 89 years ago Thailand was an absolute monarchy. Since then the King's powers have been limited, with a system inspired by European parliamentary monarchies. In fact, the distribution of powers in Thailand is based on the Westminster system. 

Currently, the democracy protests in Bangkok seem to be losing momentum as no demonstrations have been held since March. Does this mean the end of the demonstrations or just a lull due to the high numbers of COVID-19 sufferers? Attempts to revitalise Thailand's pro-democracy movement have been hampered by the pandemic and the arrests of key protest leaders.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha said in November 2020 that the government would use all forms of legislation against law-breaking protesters, while demonstrations calling for his ouster and reforms to curb Maha Vajiralongkorn's powers continued to grow.

According to Article 112 of the Thai Penal Code, anyone who "defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-Godfather or the Regent shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of three to fifteen years". However, there is no definition of what constitutes an insult to the monarchy, which leaves room for interpretation of the law. One example is that the sale of a calendar decorated with a rubber duck (now a major symbol of the protests) is interpreted as an insult to the monarchy and could be worth 15 years in prison.

In January, a 63-year-old Thai woman was sentenced to 43 years and six months for publishing audios deemed critical of the Monarchy, a record prison term for lese majeste. Anon Nampa, a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement, was arrested on 15 October 2020 and is currently in Bangkok Remand Prison, awaiting trial on lese majeste and other charges.

The protests have no single leader, but there are several groups and figures that stand out and shape the movement. The demonstrations are running out of leaders after the Bangkok Criminal Court in March denied bail to three other prominent protest figures: Panusaya "Ruang" Sithijirawattanakul, Panupong "Mike Rayong" Jadnok and Jatupat "Pai Dao Din" Boonpattararaksa.

James Buchanan, a researcher in Thai history and politics, in an interview for DW says it is no coincidence that now that the movement is in "low gear" the government is imposing the toughest sanctions. They are sending a message of threat and caution to the protesters. Also, although the frequency and intensity of protests has reduced in recent weeks, the fact that the government is trying to take advantage of the pandemic-related suspension of protests to increase repression may lead to a rebound in demonstrations. These rules are a double-edged sword, and their resort to them is a sign of desperation, according to Buchanan.

On 20 February this year, Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan Ocha faced a no-confidence motion in parliament amid strong criticism over his handling of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis generated by the coronavirus. The Thai economy has recorded its worst year in two decades, with GDP contracting by 6.1% in 2020.  

In addition to increasing arrests of key figures in the movement, the government has also employed increasingly harsh measures to disperse demonstrations. The last protest, on 20 March, ended with riot police using water cannons and rubber bullets against the crowd. At least 11 people were injured and five were arrested.