Thai protesters march to barracks against king’s military power

Bangkok, November 29

Thousands of anti-government Thai protesters marched to a military barracks on Sunday to problem King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s private management over some military models.

It was the most recent act of defiance towards the king by protesters who’ve damaged taboos by criticising the monarchy.

The Thai structure says the monarchy have to be revered and legal guidelines ban insulting the establishment.

Protesters, many carrying inflatable geese which have develop into a protest mascot, stopped on the gates of the 11th Infantry Regiment, a part of the King’s Guard that performed a job within the suppression of anti-establishment protests in 2010.

Lines of riot police blocked protesters on the gate.

“No democratic country sees a king control an army. In any democratic country with a king as head of state, armed forces report to the government,” stated Arnon Nampa, a rights lawyer and protest chief who has been a frequent critic of the monarchy.

“We’ve been seeing the monarchy expanding its powers. That’s why we’re here today,” Nampa added.

The Royal Palace has made no remark since protests started however the king himself stated just lately that protesters are liked “all the same” regardless of their actions.

Protesters accuse the monarchy of enabling many years of army domination. There have been 13 profitable coups since 1932, when absolute rule by the monarch got here to an finish.

Protests started in July and initially demanded the departure of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta chief, and a brand new structure. Demonstrators have expanded their calls for since then to incorporate curbs on the powers of the king.

Arnon is amongst a number of protest leaders going through expenses below lese majeste legal guidelines towards insulting the monarchy after speeches he made at earlier rallies.

The Foreign Ministry stated in a press release that Thailand adhered to the rule of legislation and the best to freedom of speech should keep inside these boundaries.

“In every case where the law is violated, officials take action with strict adherence to the appropriate legal processes without discrimination,” the ministry stated.

The Prime Minister has dismissed calls for that he stop and rejected accusations that he engineered final 12 months’s election to retain energy after taking workplace in 2014.

Video shared on social media confirmed troopers taking down an enormous image of the king and queen on the entrance to the barracks earlier than the protest. Reuters