Small Thai anti-junta groups vow protests on coup anniversary

[webfact]

Small Thai anti-junta groups vow protests on coup anniversary
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Small groups of anti-junta activists have vowed to hold protests Friday marking one year since Thailand's generals seized power from the elected government, but widespread dissent is unlikely in a country still locked down by the military.

One group of die-hard campaigners who have previously defied the military's ban on political protests said they planned to march to a court in Bangkok to file treason charges against junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

Student activists who have previously specialised in creative "flash mob" acts of dissent have also said they will hold protests in downtown Bangkok on Friday evening.

Their efforts have included public readings of George Orwell's anti-authoritarian novel "1984" and flashing the three-fingered salute from the Hunger Games films which are set in a dystopian dictatorship.

Thailand's military took over on 22 May 2014 after months of protests by anti-government supporters paralysed the elected administration of Yingluck Shinawatra.

Two weeks before the military coup and the imposition of martial law, Yingluck had been forced out of office by a court ruling.

Her supporters say the coup was the latest assault by the royalist Bangkok-centric elite on the kingdom's burgeoning democratic forces -- in particular from the culturally distinct northeast, which voted in droves for Shinawatra parties.

Protests have been smothered, dissenters arrested and anti-coup radio and television stations shut in the past year.

The junta says its power grab restored order after months of sometimes violent protests against Yingluck.

It also says it is rebooting the kingdom's economy -- although economic growth last year was just 0.7 percent, the weakest in three years -- and it is rewriting the country's constitution to end Thailand's deep political divisions and expunge corruption.

But small pockets of dissent remain.

In a Facebook post early Friday Resistant Citizen, an anti-junta group, called on supporters to gather at a Bangkok subway station and begin marching on the Criminal Court at 3pm.

They published a copy of the complaint they planned to file accusing the junta of carrying out an "unconstitutional overthrow of rule" of a democratically elected government.

"This constitutes treason, as stipulated in Article 113 of the Criminal Code," the post added.

Previous protests by their group, which comprises just a handful of activists including one man whose son was killed by the military in a 2010 protest crackdown, have resulted in swift arrests soon after they have gathered.

The coup anniversary has so far been met with public silence by the 'Red Shirt' movement loyal to Yingluck and her brother, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was also ousted in a coup in 2006 and now lives in self-exile.

"We are not planning anything," Red Shirt spokesman Thanawut Wichaidit told AFP when asked if the group would mark the coup.

The usually busy Facebook page of Red Shirt chairman Jatuporn Prompan, whose daily TV programme was recently taken off air, also made no mention of the coup.

Thaksin has previously called on his Red Shirt supporters to refrain from protesting and remain patient.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-05-22

[JOC]

>>Her supporters say the coup was the latest assault by the royalist Bangkok-centric elite on the kingdom's burgeoning democratic forces -- in particular from the culturally distinct northeast, which voted in droves for Shinawatra parties.<< Quote

Wrong!!

The Yingluck government brought it on themselves, by at any price trying to force through the amnesty-bill to save Mr T's backside!!

As for the anti-coup protesters, wish them the best of luck!!

Wish I was that brave (ignorant?)

[Reigntax]

Is that any different than the director general obtaining an amnesty for himself and other generals for treason. Maybe it's just same, same but different?

[Robby nz]

Is that any different than the director general obtaining an amnesty for himself and other generals for treason. Maybe it's just same, same but different?

One big difference is that now there is no amnesty for corruption as there would have been under the PT version.

Nor amnesty for already convicted criminals or Abhisit and Suthep.

[NickJ]

Hang them in Siam Square

[baboon]

Hang them in Siam Square

Yes, hang in public those with a different point of view to yourself and have the temerity to let it be known. Jesus Christ, man, are you auditioning for ISIS or something?

Edited May 22, 2015 by baboon

[granuaile]

I pass there during my daily walk, very small group that appeared to disperse about 10 minutes after. There was a police van there, but didn't see anyone arrested....

[Lite Beer]

13 Khon Kaen university students held for protesting against the May 22 coup

KHON KAEN: -- Thirteen Khon Kaen University students were held in police custody after they were arrested by military personnel for protesting against the junta in Muang district of Khon Kaen.

Calling themselves the Dao Din group, the 13 students rallied at the democracy monument next to the city pillar’s shrine, raising posters to protest the May 22 coup a year ago.

Military officers first approached the students with a request that they stop the protest and to disperse. However, the students declined and, therefore, they were detained and taken to the Muang district police station for questioning.

The students were later charged with instigating unrest in a way which might pose a threat to national security. Seven of them were held in detention at the police station while the rest were still being interrogated.

Maj-Gen Tarakit Tapthongsit, commander of the 23rd military circle, warned with all parties concerned not to stir up public unrest otherwise authorities would have to deal with strictly in accordance with the law.

Source: http://englishnews.t...the-may-22-coup

-- Thai PBS 2015-05-22

[baboon]

13 Khon Kaen university students held for protesting against the May 22 coup

KHON KAEN: -- Thirteen Khon Kaen University students were held in police custody after they were arrested by military personnel for protesting against the junta in Muang district of Khon Kaen.

Calling themselves the Dao Din group, the 13 students rallied at the democracy monument next to the city pillars shrine, raising posters to protest the May 22 coup a year ago.

Military officers first approached the students with a request that they stop the protest and to disperse. However, the students declined and, therefore, they were detained and taken to the Muang district police station for questioning.

The students were later charged with instigating unrest in a way which might pose a threat to national security. Seven of them were held in detention at the police station while the rest were still being interrogated.

What a pile of absolute cack, "Inciting unrest in a way that might pose a threat to national security". Give me a break, for chrissakes!

That said, djjamie will probably be along soon to explain to us why this act was worse than the holocaust...

Edited May 22, 2015 by baboon

[metisdead]

An inflammatory post has been removed.

[Cuchulainn]

The sign language woman is making the correct gesture!!

[dageurreotype]

I'm astonished certain of the Thai populace are not the all the cowardly toadies I'd begun the think they were. Let's see how far this goes.

[Emster23]

Government will allow small Thai protests, as long as the Thai is under 5 foot tall and less than one person. For fun you might want to google Thai boyscout jamboree stamps, as it was held here back in 2002 or so. Get to see the 3 finger salute by scouts with various Thai icons (temples etc). Wonder what sort of trouble you'd get in if blew image up and put on tee shirt? I won't post example here...

[tukkytuktuk]

Khon Kaen students again! What are they teaching these kids? Buffalomics?

[nolabuff]

Khon Kaen students again! What are they teaching these kids? Buffalomics?

So you're calling university students idiots for disagreeing with you? That's a dangerous path you're on. Almost ironic considering the people Prawit and Prayut did business with to gain their vast wealth.

[tbthailand]

Khon Kaen students again! What are they teaching these kids? Buffalomics?

was your demeaning and moronic quip supposed to be funny?

[Lite Beer]

COUP ANNIVERSARY
Dozens arrested in anti-coup protests in Bangkok, Khon Kaen
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH
JITTIMA JUNPHOME
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- ANTI-COUP protests flared up in at least three locations in Bangkok and Khon Kaen yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the coup.

At least 48 people were arrested by military or police officers. Some were charged, others were warned and some had their attitudes "adjusted" before being released.

In Bangkok, members of the Resistant Citizen(s) group led by activists Pansak Srithep, Sirawitch Sereethiwat and Wannakiat Choosuwan were arrested by police shortly after they filed a lawsuit at the Criminal Court.

In the lawsuit they accuse Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and other junta leaders of violating Article 113 of the Criminal Act by staging the coup on May 22 last year and throwing out the 2007 Constitution, which they said was punishable by death. The three were later released without charge.

The Criminal Court scheduled a hearing on May 29 to rule on whether to accept the case.

In 1972, politician Uthai Pimchaichon, who later became president of the parliament, submitted a case to the Criminal Court to sue the then coup-makers Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and Field Marshal Prapas Charusathien for treason.

However, the Criminal Court judges sentenced Uthai to a 10-year prison term for the same crime he accused the coup-makers of committing. He was subsequently released during the Sanya Thammasak administration without having to serve the full sentence.

The Resistant Citizen(s) group gathering began shortly before 3pm when a few group leaders appeared in front of the Lat Phrao MRT (underground rail) station.

The event, featuring 15 anti-coup activists, attracted an army of media, both domestic and abroad.

Pansak told reporters that the aim of the event was to communicate and establish an understanding with the public regarding the illegitimacy of the coup.

Although only 15 people joined the protest, Pansak said the number would have been much greater if the many who had earlier committed to attend it were not pressured to back down.

The group accused Prayut for using violence to scrap the constitution and overthrow the Pheu Thai government.

"This constitutes treason, as stipulated in Article 113 of the Criminal Code," Pansak said.

Prayut was also accused of sabotaging the country "and creating the ceaseless deterioration of the economy, society, politics, rights and the liberties of the people".

Resistant Citizen(s) comprises political activists, academics, students and relatives of protesters killed during protest crackdowns. They demand that power be returned to the people.

In Khon Kaen, 13 students from Khon Kaen University belonging to the Dao Din group were arrested and taken to the Sri Patcharin military camp at 1.40pm after they unfurled a large banner that read: "Oppose the Coup".

Seven students were accused of violating security orders under Article 44 of the junta-sponsored provisional charter, which grants absolute power to National Council for Peace and Order leader General Prayut. They were made to agree that they would refrain from committing any action that could cause divisions in society.

At 3pm, the students were taken to a police station and charged.

"We have always warned this group of students and meted out punishments from light to heavy," said Lieutenant Pitakphol Choosri, deputy director of civilian affairs at the Sri Patcharin military camp.

"But they repeatedly commit violations despite the fact that officers gave them a chance and regard them as the future of the country. We tried to warn them gently several times but they did not quit."

Elsewhere in Bangkok, nine members of a youth group for social democracy, YPD, were taken away by police for a 30-minute talk to have their attitudes adjusted after the group read a statement in public at the October 14 Monument in which they labelled the military dishonourable.

Police said the group did not ask for permission from the authorities before engaging in the activity. They were released after the talk and none were charged.

In the evening, 200 police officers in uniform were sent to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where anti-coup protesters were scheduled to show up at 6pm. Some 30 students arrived and nine were arrested by police as of press time.

The rest - about 20 people - held hands and repeatedly shouted: "Release our friends." They were eventually arrested

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Dozens-arrested-in-anti-coup-protests-in-Bangkok-K-30260790.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-23

[BSJ]

The rules are clear. There is no room for dissenters at this time and that's that! Out of a population of 65 million a few hundred decide to break the rules which is telling in itself.

[daoyai]

If ever democracy returns, these kids will be looked up to for their courage.

[LannaGuy]

Several heroes arrested yesterday in several cities for DARING to voice an opinion in public

I salute them

[graemeaylward]

What courageous young people. These young democracy seeking students are prepared to stand up for the basic human right to freedom of speech! They are not terrorists and yet by peacefully demonstrating they are arrested for being a threat to National security because they have a different point of view to that of the military backed government. This has now become international news and certainly does not show Thailand's military rule in a good light. I wholeheartedly support them and their fight for freedom of speech throughout the world.

[Ichabod]

Bravo for the students! They are the hope of Thailand however dim that might seem at the present time.

Let's hope that the rule of law returns someday and the thugs return to the barracks.

[JAG]

Hang them in Siam Square

Yes, hang in public those with a different point of view to yourself and have the temerity to let it be known. Jesus Christ, man, are you auditioning for ISIS or something?

He probably thought Tiananmen Square was a street cleaner who got a bit carried away on overtime!

[rondii]

What courageous young people. These young democracy seeking students are prepared to stand up for the basic human right to freedom of speech! They are not terrorists and yet by peacefully demonstrating they are arrested for being a threat to National security because they have a different point of view to that of the military backed government. This has now become international news and certainly does not show Thailand's military rule in a good light. I wholeheartedly support them and their fight for freedom of speech throughout the world.

" basic human right to freedom of speech!" And who says this is a basic human right? In every country in the world you will be arrested if you say certain things in public, although what it is you say to get arrested may differ between countries. Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, etc.etc. are stifled in every country based on what is seen as the greater good, or what the 'majority ' want (even if that majority is often well under 50% in many 'democratically ' elected countries. Other OP are calling Thais cowards for not expressing more opposition. But in fact it's because most are Happy (including Isaan populace) with the stability, relative peacefulness, progress in challenging corruption, etc.for a change.

Some OP talk like "democracy" was decreed from the start of mankind by some imaginary god. .

[cumgranosalum]

there are plenty of supporters of democracy who are not supporters of Thaksin & co...........one shouldn't dichotomise the situation it is far more complex and factious than that........ some appear to be arguing from a position of blind ignorance.

Edited May 23, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[asiamaster]

democrazy

[johnnytuc]

This could be the beginning of the end for Thailand......Brave kids

[cumgranosalum]

What courageous young people. These young democracy seeking students are prepared to stand up for the basic human right to freedom of speech! They are not terrorists and yet by peacefully demonstrating they are arrested for being a threat to National security because they have a different point of view to that of the military backed government. This has now become international news and certainly does not show Thailand's military rule in a good light. I wholeheartedly support them and their fight for freedom of speech throughout the world.

" basic human right to freedom of speech!" And who says this is a basic human right? In every country in the world you will be arrested if you say certain things in public, although what it is you say to get arrested may differ between countries. Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, etc.etc. are stifled in every country based on what is seen as the greater good, or what the 'majority ' want (even if that majority is often well under 50% in many 'democratically ' elected countries. Other OP are calling Thais cowards for not expressing more opposition. But in fact it's because most are Happy (including Isaan populace) with the stability, relative peacefulness, progress in challenging corruption, etc.for a change.

Some OP talk like "democracy" was decreed from the start of mankind by some imaginary god. .

sorry but you really don't seem to grasp the concept of freedom of speech - in particular it concerns the rights of people with opinions YOU don't agree with....in fact you also don't seem to understand the deference between a "majority" and a democracy - they are not the same....it is of course the current regime who is constantly claiming democratic principles, when it is difficult to reconcile their actions to their words.....

[Toscano]

Rondii , I think you are mistaken .

[DoctorG]

Whilst I applaud them, small groups are never going to work. You need to turn up in the thousands to garner any real attention.

It is too easy to pick off the small groups.