Facing jail for sedition, Thai student protesters refuse to back down

[webfact]

Facing jail for sedition, Thai student protesters refuse to back down

BANGKOK - Bas strums a guitar in a high-rise flat in a working-class Bangkok neighbourhood, his thoughts flitting between the new term at university and the prospect of seven years in jail.

The 22-year-old’s bedroom looks like any other undergraduate’s -- a picture of his girlfriend hangs on one wall, a poster of a rock star from the American band Blink-182 on another.

But while most of his peers fret over exams and future jobs, Bas braces for prison -- one of 14 students charged with sedition over a peaceful June rally for democracy in junta-ruled Thailand.

Although they may face trial in a military court, Bas and his group are refusing to flinch.

"I have no choice. I have to do this. If it’s my fate, it’s my fate," Bas said of the risks he faces with further action.

Despite being under close military surveillance, the 14 students -- among more than 100 activists, mostly university students in the capital and northeast, who are members of the New Democracy Movement (NDM) -- have started to reconvene.

Since seizing power in May 2014, Thailand’s generals have largely succeeded in neutering dissent, banning criticism by outlawing political gatherings and censoring the media.

While the "Red Shirt" supporters of the toppled elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra have stayed off the streets, small yet determined rallies by anti-coup students have confounded the regime.

Their symbolic flashmobs shortly after the coup, which triggered arrests but no charges, have grown into bolder protests, such as June’s anti-coup speeches and songs at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument.

The protest saw the group of 14 detained for nearly two weeks earlier this summer after they refused bail. The sedition charge has been seen as a signal the junta remains intolerant of criticism -- especially from campuses with a long history of incubating powerful opposition movements.

Both the United Nations and European Union have called for the case to be dropped. While the military court has not yet ruled on whether to try the 14, in August a board member of Amnesty International Thailand was also charged with sedition for supporting them.

- ’Keep fighting’ -

For now the group are resolved to expand, returning from jail as heroes to Bangkok’s Thammasat University, a proudly liberal bastion.

"We have to keep fighting," law graduate Rangsiman Rome said at a campus where a 1973 uprising ended in bloodshed and the collapse of the then-military regime.

Undeterred by charges he doesn’t accept -- the group refused bail in protest at being tried by a martial court -- Rome says he is determined to forge a "new politics".

"We need more space for people who want neither Reds nor Yellows," the bespectacled 23-year-old told AFP, referring to the traditional political camps splitting the kingdom.

Thailand’s decade of political conflict loosely pits the rural and urban working class "Red Shirt" backers of the Shinawatra family against a pro-establishment "Yellow" middle-class and elite -- buttressed by parts of the judiciary and military.

After last year’s coup, flashmobs sprang up with students flicking the three-finger salute of resistance from "The Hunger Games" films or giving public readings of George Orwell’s anti-authoritarian novel "1984".

Despite the movement growing, and spawning the NDM, it remains miniscule when compared to the street protests that have pockmarked Thailand in recent years.

- ’Pure’ but leaderless -

Other demonstrations are also creeping back as patience frays with junta rule.

Some are against single issues such as the location of power plants or displacement from land.

But political opposition has mostly been restricted to measured swipes on social media or comments from anti-coup exiles, as scores of civilians have been tried in military courts since the coup.

August’s unclaimed deadly bomb attack on a Bangkok shrine has also raised fears the junta will tighten its security response to dissent.

The military’s heavy-handed response to the NDM betrays a fear outweighing their numbers.

Ahead of their arrest senior junta figures stepped up rhetoric against the group, portraying them as political naifs manipulated by civilian politicians -- and even foreign forces.

But the NDM maintain they are not bound by party politics.

Eugenie Merieau, a political science lecturer at Thammasat, says the movement’s strength comes from being "pure" and free of the much-maligned politicians.

Yet their "fight for ideas" without a charismatic leader was also a weakness, she added, in a country where personality politics looms large.

Last year’s coup ended months of violent protests against Yingluck’s administration, with the army saying it was forced to restore order before new elections can take place.

But opponents read it as the latest attempt to claw back power for an elite who have lost every election since 2001.

The ensuing tussle for power has left Thailand criss-crossed by division.

While Bas can count on the support of his mother, who survived the deadly 1973 military crackdown on student protests, Rome’s is a Yellow Shirt who supports the junta.

Neither she nor his American father came to visit him in prison.

Cutting through this partisanship is the "main obstacle" the movement faces, says Rome. But he is confident Thais will eventually come to demand an alternative to military rule.

"This (the NDM) can be the space for them to express their political views," he says.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Facing-jail-for-sedition-Thai-student-protesters-r-30268300.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-07

[baboon]

Best wishes to all of them. You have a lot of supporters behind you.

[Jon Wetherall]

"The ensuing tussle for power has left Thailand criss-crossed by division.:

So much for Mr P's 'reconciliation' then. Just another Thai foot-shooter, nothing to see here folks, all old hat.

[lildragon]

They don't want reds or yellows? But the junta sycophants on TVF (and the junta themselves inferred) that these brave young people were bought by the bogey man in Dubai.

It will set quite the precedent if these brave young souls are sent down for 7 years while saber rattling leaders on both sides of the divide walk free/on bail.

God speed to this lad and his group.

[NCC1701A]

Are things so bad in Thailand that you would go to jail for seven years just so you can pretend to vote for people who use your own tax money for their impossible ponzi schemes to buy your vote?

[jcsmith]

Get up, stand up.You have to admire people who are willing to stand by their convictions in the face of jail time. When this is all over it should be somebody else facing prison.

[DirtyDan]

Best wishes to all of them. You have a lot of supporters behind you.

I love your optimism, but who exactly are all these supporters?

The tourists that still flock to spend their money in a "non-elected-run" country, the foreign governments that have placed embargoes and economic sanctions, or the millions of people marching in the streets for the chance to vote and have their vote respected?

No time for politics in paradise, pass me another Singha.

Edited September 7, 2015 by DirtyDan

[EnglishJohn]

Were these students on the streets protesting against the dirty cronies and outrageous corruption of the last government ?. Were they risking their LIVES to protest against the amnesty disgrace ?.

If they were, good luck to them and their stand for what they believe in.

If not, they are just another bunch of red-shirt hypocrites.

[AlQaholic]

These students and activists are the most courageous In a society that is now completely subdued, or at least getting there slowly.

[ianf]

So sad that these students do not understand the real political situation facing Thailand. They could do more good by removing themselves from their entrenched position and show some understandingof what is need to move this country forward and away from the debacle of recent years.

[dcpo]

This is a clear cut case of "If you tolerate this then your children will be next". Thailand slides into fascism. The middle class let the snakes into their houses. Invited them in. Only blood will wash them out again. They don't even realize. They will learn but too late.

[JAG]

Were these students on the streets protesting against the dirty cronies and outrageous corruption of the last government ?. Were they risking their LIVES to protest against the amnesty disgrace ?.

If they were, good luck to them and their stand for what they believe in.

If not, they are just another bunch of red-shirt hypocrites.

Always good to read a balanced analysis of developments in this countries political situation.

[yellowboat]

Were these students on the streets protesting against the dirty cronies and outrageous corruption of the last government ?. Were they risking their LIVES to protest against the amnesty disgrace ?.

If they were, good luck to them and their stand for what they believe in.

If not, they are just another bunch of red-shirt hypocrites.

Wow, you are like a French general, always fighting the last war. Thailand is more broken than it was before in large part due to the military. The young people are protesting non violently.

Use to love to watch Parliament (UK, supposedly where you are from) debate. Was saddened by US president Bush's decision not to address Parliament. He showed weakness there as he did in opening a prison in Cuba to avoid US law, a short cut which is still a blight years later.

Suppose the junta is full of cowards if they are afraid of some kids with guitars. But shouldn't they have a chance to speak their mind peacefully ?

[Benmart]

The best measure of tyranny is the degree in which dissent is tolerated and how it is handled.

[bheard]

These students and activists are the most courageous In a society that is now completely subdued, or at least getting there slowly.

Gutsy, courageous. In a country that does not value straight talk.

[fred Kubasa]

Where can I sed air tickets for these brave but unsupported kids ?

Sedition indeed !

[Halion]

So much for democracy and freedom of speech.

[tbthailand]

Are things so bad in Thailand that you would go to jail for seven years just so you can pretend to vote for people who use your own tax money for their impossible ponzi schemes to buy your vote?

no clue...

[tbthailand]

So sad that these students do not understand the real political situation facing Thailand. They could do more good by removing themselves from their entrenched position and show some understandingof what is need to move this country forward and away from the debacle of recent years.

If you understood the history of student resistance in Thailand, then you probably wouldn't make a statement as silly as:

So sad that these students do not understand the real political situation facing Thailand

[tbthailand]

Were these students on the streets protesting against the dirty cronies and outrageous corruption of the last government ?. Were they risking their LIVES to protest against the amnesty disgrace ?.

If they were, good luck to them and their stand for what they believe in.

If not, they are just another bunch of red-shirt hypocrites.

I recall that it has been pointed out to you before that the different student activist groups protesting now, for example Dao Din, have been active for years fighting for the rights of normal people and against the corruption of those in power - regardless of the political party in power.

[chainarong]

The ball is entirely in the Junta's court , it may sound dramatic , but how they handle this protest group will perhaps decide their fate , it doesn't take long these days with social media to organize , the military should be well aware the last time they clashed with Students , good luck to all those students and friends facing a trumped up sedition charge , you are the only democracy in Thailand at this present time, all the present Administration can offer is section 44. Rule.

[ramrod711]

Idealism is territory of the young, good for them, let's hope they don't have reason to regret their stance.

[oxo1947]

Funny......I seem to see a lot of names posting on here...that usually say the opposite.

The law is the law----and they knew the law........etc etc

-----------------------------

"Yes she should die because that's the law----and she knew the law......et ....etc"

Yes he should get years & years in prison for smoking a joint....because that's the law....he knew the law

---------------

Maybe there's 2 laws........for stuff you like its OK to brake it............

....other stuff we don't agree with.......having a joint etc..............well we can just hang them all high................................

[GeorgesAbitbol]

Were these students on the streets protesting against the dirty cronies and outrageous corruption of the last government ?. Were they risking their LIVES to protest against the amnesty disgrace ?.

If they were, good luck to them and their stand for what they believe in.

If not, they are just another bunch of red-shirt hypocrites.

You criticized a lot the governement and yet you are not in the street to topple the junta....you re quite hypocrite yourself...and certainly worse

Edited September 7, 2015 by GeorgesAbitbol

[Nigeone]

Respect to these guys.. Don't care about what other posters have to say. With the political situation,if you can call it that, to stand up and fight your corner deserves our respect. We all when in Thailand keep our heads down as we know the consequences and pray we don't fall foul of the RTP and the other keepers of justice !! Mmm sarc! These guys are standing up to what's going on and for sure know what might happen. Power and respect to them all

[MZurf]

Were these students on the streets protesting against the dirty cronies and outrageous corruption of the last government ?. Were they risking their LIVES to protest against the amnesty disgrace ?.

If they were, good luck to them and their stand for what they believe in.

If not, they are just another bunch of red-shirt hypocrites.

I recall that it has been pointed out to you before that the different student activist groups protesting now, for example Dao Din, have been active for years fighting for the rights of normal people and against the corruption of those in power - regardless of the political party in power.

"I recall that it has been pointed out to you before..."

And it needs to be pointed out many, many times more before it has any chance of sinking in.

[phoenixdoglover]

Were these students on the streets protesting against the dirty cronies and outrageous corruption of the last government ?. Were they risking their LIVES to protest against the amnesty disgrace ?.

If they were, good luck to them and their stand for what they believe in.

If not, they are just another bunch of red-shirt hypocrites.

I recall that it has been pointed out to you before that the different student activist groups protesting now, for example Dao Din, have been active for years fighting for the rights of normal people and against the corruption of those in power - regardless of the political party in power.

"I recall that it has been pointed out to you before..."

And it needs to be pointed out many, many times more before it has any chance of sinking in.

Good luck with that.

Admitting that there is such a thing as "activist students who are not red shirts" introduces a layer of complexity to the mental model. This might prove too great a strain.

[Fat Haggis]

So sad that these students do not understand the real political situation facing Thailand. They could do more good by removing themselves from their entrenched position and show some understandingof what is need to move this country forward and away from the debacle of recent years.

And you honestly believe that this junta who "speak with forked tongue" are the answer this time? when every other coup has proven to have been a waste of time?

You and many others harked on about the bare faced lies and deceit that came from Yinglucks regime, and yet this one under Prayuth isn't much better, but then again, you've got coloured blinkers on, and always have.

I'll be honest I doubt that Prayuth will last another 2 years in the chair before the country decides enough is enough.

in 16 months what progress has been made towards any sort of democracy, when not a single thing is being done towards reconciliation? Unless the country comes together and unites, the political divide will remain, as will the Junta, which may well be what they want.

I also think time is running out for the Junta, there's a show stopper on its way, and that WILL unite the country. If they don't have something in place that pleases the very people they seem reluctant to pass "ownership to" then it's just going to get very very messy. Who are they going to blame the next time they lose the people?

[Basil B]

Get up, stand up.You have to admire people who are willing to stand by their convictions in the face of jail time. When this is all over it should be somebody else facing prison.

Hopefully these will be the politicians of tomorrow, and it will nice to see some politicians with a backbone.

[Srikcir]

These students honor Mohandas Gandhi.

He was convicted of sedition by the British Imperial government in 1922. Gandhi was such a rogue in his time.