While the Thai government and monarchy are rocking as demonstrations grow in size and symbolism, protestors only need to look to countries like Ukraine and Belarus to see the dangers of a regime backed into the corner.
More than 100,000 people demonstrated on the open field at Sanam Luang, in front of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace in Bangkok over the weekend, defying the military-backed government of Prayuth Chan-o-cha and calling for unprecedented monarchical reforms.
The student-led protests that began in July have dramatically escalated, as anti-government protesters installed a plaque that declared that Thailand «belongs to the people,» in open defiance of its once-revered monarchy. In fact, a state is often less likely to use force when there is a more cohesive nonviolent coalition. That proved the difference during the 2013 Euromaidan protests, which arose from Ukraine’s decision to withdraw from a European Union pact in favour of closer ties with Russia.
The stunning events of Black May, where General Suchinda Kraprayoon overthrew the corrupt government of Chatichai Choonhavan in 1992, eventually led to the slaughter of dozens when the state responded to protests in the streets. The uprising and resulting military crackdown saw 44 people killed and 1,728 injured.
This article was written by MARK S. COGAN
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