Small Thai anti-junta groups vow protests on coup anniversary

[oneday]

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

Anyone want to take bets on the outcome of this decision (giving a 1,000,000 -> 1 odds?

Heck, I'm shocked they were allowed to file the case.

[Smokemachine]

Spare the youths a rod.

Sometimes the teenagers are easily manipulative as well.

The coup has done.

I wish all the best to Thailand and good luck to Mr. P

Give a good result and the people will reconsider again perhaps the ending is not as bad as they thought.

[h90]

"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."

would have been good if they would have read "1984"....they would find a lot parallels to the Thaksin regime in it.

He built the internet censorship.

He changed the story every day......I come from a very poor family and got rich due to hard work in the morning. I come from a wealthy family with old money in the afternoon of the same day in another speech.

[SOTIRIOS]

.......correction: anti-government.......this is the government now....

....and I cannot think of any country that would tolerate it...

....especially in light of the crimes...... and resultant trials....that brought this government about.....

.......not to mention external meddlings as well....

Edited May 23, 2015 by SOTIRIOS

[Guest]

I think you have to remember that this is not a democracy and we are still under milatary rule, if and when democracy is restored you can protest as you wish but under military rule you have to expect to be detained. no brainer!!!

[Srikcir]

The Dao Din group protests the DOA on freedom of expression.

Brave young people willing to face the Might of the Royal Thai Military.

I salute you.

[Card]

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. .

"progress in challenging corruption'

LOL. Who have you been listening to for your valid information? Just remember that absolute power corrupts.........if not now then eventually.

[yellowboat]

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.

The timid minded like you are astounding. 14% of the US population fought for independence at the hight of the revolution. Far fewer before that. These people should be praised for speaking their mind and the government chastised for being so heavy handed. Again amazed by the willingness of some westerners to embrace the junta or make comments like that above. Just shows the decline of western civilization.

[baboon]

"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."

would have been good if they would have read "1984"....they would find a lot parallels to the Thaksin regime in it.

No they would not, unless they were deliberately misinterperating it. Don't try that one.

[PilotEd]

Love the phrase: "having their attitude adjusted".

Does anyone here remember that phrase from the 30's and 40's Germany?

The Junta has created its' own underbelly.

[yellowboat]

" 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. .

Again we play the stability card. A few bad people on both sides did some bad things, but the Thai populace, as a whole, are not violent, and things never got out of hand. It is shameful to think otherwise. Just a few junta shills, like yourself, like to keep bringing that up. .

Freedoms are not free and they come at a price. Thailand has traded away the rights of its people for momentary security.

With regards to happiness, many Thais keep their mouths shut, as their pay checks depend on it or they do not know enough to care. Many are not happy, and polls which show the junta in a negative light are banned. Hope that makes you sleep better at night

[Godders]

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. .

You need to get out more.

[micmichd]

Without freedom of speech Thailand might face a brain drain.

[animatic]

Thaksin says in South Korea he isn't unleashing the red Shirts.

Thaksin says he won't return till he is sure he has more backing in Thailand.

And voila suddenly protesters are out testing the waters.

[Suffinator]

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.

They are of course perfectly correct for it his actions where and remain an act of treason.

This only goes to show that Prayut and his merry band have no interest in democracy their only goal is to ensure that the ruling elite continue to rule with impunity.

Under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, to which Thailand is a signatory, they are also breaking international law by not allowing the basic right to freedom of speech and expression. It's time the UN stepped up to the plate and issued an ultimatum ... comply or face expulsion.

[NoshowJones]

Without freedom of speech Thailand might face a brain drain.

The brains would have to be there in the first place.

[LarryBird]

I respect anyone who peacefully stands up for what they believe in while putting their own future at risk. Whether I agree or disagree with them.

[emilymat]

Well, they have certainly come a long way in 12 months. Originally, if you were a bad boy, you were sent off to an attitude adjustment centre.

Now, according to the OP the cops can administer AA on the spot and send you on your way.

How do they do that?. Must go and watch the Manchurian Candidate again.

[Baerboxer]

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.

Rule of law returns ................. What rule of law would that be then?

Let's hope a real democracy, with real laws that are enforced fairly, without bias, and to all, regardless of family and wealth, is established one day.

Don't hold your breadth, gonna be a long haul.

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

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.

Some appear to be protesting from a position of ignorance too.

[brewsterbudgen]

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.

Indeed. It would be good to see numbers like the student protests for democracy in Hong Kong.

[micmichd]

Why should one not dichotomize the situation even if it is very complex?

Are you aware how complex a situation can really get?

[Jim walker]

some had their attitudes "adjusted" before being released pass me my trusty rubber hose for a quick adjustment Thailand beginning to feel more like North Korea

[ThaiUser]

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. .

To a certain extend I have to agree with you that every country has laws that prohibit some speeches or what is expressed in them. In most cases that is related to hate speech.

But most countries tolerate and permit demonstrations (some countries insist that they have to be announced to the authorities prior of taking place) that challenge their current governments and the right to demonstrate peacefully is enshrined in their constitutions. It serves two purposes and will give the people that are not satisfied with the political situation a valve to release their frustrations and it will let the government know the response of their actions and how these actions are perceived in the population. Without that it might appear that everything is perfect without detecting the smouldering beneath the layer of tranquillity.

Edited May 23, 2015 by ThaiUser

[martinhp]

>>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?)

So you believe any who is convicted under dictatorship should accept it what a fool you are it doesn't matter if it was suthep under a Dicktatorship it should never be accepted

[micmichd]

some had their attitudes "adjusted" before being released pass me my trusty rubber hose for a quick adjustment Thailand beginning to feel more like North Korea

Afraid of getting brainwashed?

[tracker1]

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 speaks for itself !

[smedly]

The last thing Thailand needs are people demonstrating on the streets - we are all fully aware of how that has ended many times before and lets be honest - is there really anything to protest about, Thailand seems to be doing fine right now and criminals are being hunted down and arrested especially those in public office who have been shown to have a rather twisted way of serving the people

Edited May 23, 2015 by smedly

[micmichd]

There's a difference between a reason to demonstrate and the right to demonstrate. A political system should be able to stand demonstrations even when there is no reason to demonstrate.

The ongoing disparity in Thailand would be a reason to demonstrate.

[arrowsdawdle]

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

Posthumously perhaps.