Protesters gathered at an intersection in Bangkok’s commercial area to show their rejection of a court decision censoring public debate.
Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters took to the streets of Bangkok again this Sunday to protest against the ruling of Thailand’s Constitutional Court that declared calls to reform the monarchy illegal this week.
The demonstration, the largest in months, was scheduled to take place in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the official residence of the monarch, but the organizers decided to move it to the center of the capital due to the huge police presence that had been deployed in that area.
Shouting “We do not want an absolute monarchy” and raising three fingers of the hand, which has become the symbol of pro-democracy protests, the protesters concentrated at an intersection in the commercial area of the capital to show their rejection of a judicial decision that censors public debate.
In front of banners reading “We are the representatives of the future and we will not give up” or “This country belongs to the people,” protesters hung up and then burned mannequins dressed in judge’s robes.
The call came in response to the Constitutional decision that last Wednesday ruled that the protesters’ calls to reform the monarchy violate article 49 of the Constitution.
The court’s decision came after a complaint filed by a pro-monarchical activist against Arnon Nampa, Panupong “Mike” Jadnok and Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, leaders of the protests that, driven last year mainly by students, call for profound reforms in the country .
The Constitutional ruling does not have direct criminal consequences, but it can influence the processes opened against at least 137 people, including the leaders of the protests and other protesters, for allegedly violating the law of lese majesty.
This law, criticized by the UN, punishes with between 3 and 15 years in prison anyone who defames, insults or threatens the king, queen or crown prince.
The pro-democracy protests began in 2020 to demand the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, as well as to call for the drafting of a new Constitution – since the current one was written by the defunct military junta (2014-2019) – and reduce the power of the military.
However, the boldest demand is the reform of the monarchy with the aim of minimizing its political influence and the amendment of the law of lese majesty.
Some leaders of the pro-democracy protests are currently in prison after being denied bail. (I)
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