Thai protesters practise ‘coup prevention’ in latest rally

Thailand PM and military chief have dismissed the potential of one other coup, however this has solely elevated hypothesis that one might be on the playing cards.

1000’s of pro-democracy activists have blocked an vital junction in Bangkok to rehearse “coup prevention” methods within the newest spherical of Thailand’s anti-government protests.

The nation has for months been rocked by youth-led protests demanding a brand new structure, reform of the untouchable monarchy, and for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, however they are saying they are not looking for him changed by one other basic.

Prayuth, who got here to energy in a 2014 coup, this week performed down the prospects of being overthrown or introducing martial legislation.

Inflatable Santa Claus figures joined the intense yellow rubber geese which have grow to be an emblem of the motion as some 5,000 demonstrators massed on Friday within the shadow of a motorway flyover within the north of the capital.

Inflatable yellow geese, which have grow to be good-humoured symbols of resistance throughout anti-government rallies, are lifted over a crowd of protesters in Bangkok, Thailand [Sakchai Lalit/AP]

Natalie, a 32-year-old Bangkok workplace employee, stated the final coup was disastrous for Thailand and warned the nation mustn’t go down that path once more.

“Now’s a disaster time in Bangkok and Thailand. I would like new elections and to vary the prime minister and kind a brand new authorities to truly hearken to the folks,” she advised the AFP information company.

One of many protest leaders, Panupong “Mike Rayong” Jadnok, advised the gang: “The 14th coup is not going to occur as a result of the folks will come out and resist.”

Some protesters burned photos of Prayuth.

As a part of what they known as “coup prevention” drills, protesters handed an armada of the pool toy geese over their heads, to symbolize the navy passing over the folks to take the entrance row of Thai politics.

Professional-democracy protesters maintain up massive inflatable yellow geese in a ‘coup prevention’ drill, throughout an anti-government rally in Bangkok [Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP]

One other group paraded portraits of generals who had led previous coups earlier than ritually burning them.

Prayuth and Thailand’s military chief, Normal Narongpan Jittkaewtae, this week dismissed the chance that one other coup was imminent – however that has solely elevated hypothesis that one might be on the playing cards.

“The federal government has no intention of utilizing martial legislation or discuss a coup,” stated authorities spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri.

Political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich from the Ubon Ratchathani College believes one other coup is unlikely at current.

“I don’t assume he might be ousted as a result of he nonetheless has sturdy help from conservatives … and massive companies,” he advised AFP.

However in a rustic that has seen a dozen coups because it turned a democracy in 1932, the present spherical of protests, which started in July, has heightened rumours one other might be looming.

The motion has damaged new floor for Thai political activism by demanding modifications to the monarchy, a once-revered establishment which some within the kingdom are starting to query.

A big rally on Wednesday focused King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s enormous wealth, demanding extra transparency about his monetary preparations.

Protesters additionally accuse the monarchy of enabling a long time of navy domination and have demanded curbs to the king’s powers – together with his energy to approve any future coups.

The Royal Palace has made no feedback on the protesters though the king stated lately that they have been cherished “all the identical”.

Subsequent week a constitutional court docket in Bangkok will rule on whether or not Prayuth has damaged guidelines by residing in a military home, regardless of the very fact the previous basic is now not within the navy’s prime brass.

Shedding the case may see Prayuth pressured out of workplace.

Not less than seven of probably the most distinguished protest leaders face costs of insulting the monarchy, which may carry jail phrases of as much as 15 years, for feedback they’ve made at completely different protests.