Jump to content

Timeline of the 2020 Thai protests (October 2020)

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Eejit43Bot (talk | contribs) at 02:19, 26 April 2023 ([Task 1] Fix non-plural section headers). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Early October

On 2 October, the Bad Student high school protest group organized protests at Bangkok high schools in Bangkok to protest against the abuse and mistreatment of school students, then assembled at the Ministry of Education to again call for the resignation of the Education Minister.[1]

After no major events for nearly a month, on 13 October, the day before a planned demonstration date, a small group of protesters gathered at Ratchadamnoen Avenue near Democracy Monument, to protest the passing of the king's motorcade.[2] Vajiralongkorn, who rarely returns to Thailand,[3] was visiting to honor the fourth anniversary of his father's death.[4] Twenty-one protesters were detained,[5] and while the royal motorcade passed, others raised the three-finger Hunger Games salute, a notable incident of open dissent to the Thai monarchy. A hashtag insulting the king trended on Twitter.[6][7]

The motorcade incident

The planned protest rally on 14 October began at Democracy Monument, with the objective of moving to Government House to demand the resignation of Prayut.[8] Both the United States Embassy and the United Nations in Bangkok warned their staff of an elevated risk, the latter due to the arrest of the 21 protesters the previous day.[5] Authorities ordered "counter-protesters" to be trucked in using municipal vehicles,[9] some of whom subsequently joined the protests.[10] Right-wing groups, including the Thai Pakdee (Loyal Thais) and the Rubbish Collection Organization, launched counter-protests.[11][12] Later in the day, tens of thousands of protesters,[13] some under the umbrella of "Khana Ratsadorn 2563" (a reference to the historical People's Party), in a largely peaceful rally, marked by some violent assaults on the protesters by pro-royalists,[14] marched to Government House and set up camps around it.[15] The protest coincided with a planned royal progression around the city, which the protesters stated they would not impede and did not.[14] Typically, roads on the royal motorcade's route are closed in advance by police.[16] In this instance, however, the motorcade made no formal announcement, and the previously announced route was via another avenue.[17] Protesters flashed the three-finger salute while chanting "Our taxes"—a reference to the monarchy's spending[4]—and "Nation, Religion, People".[16] Meanwhile, Prayut ordered legal actions against the protesters for allegedly blocking the motorcade,[17] which included Queen Suthida and the heir-apparent Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.[3] According to Reuters, the demonstrators got close to the car but were "always behind police and none appeared to be trying to reach it".[16] Anon accused the authorities of intentionally arranging the motorcade through the rally site. He gave an estimate of 200,000 participants before midnight.[18]

Severe state of emergency

On 15 October, the authorities declared a "severe" state of emergency in Bangkok from 04:00 local time and banned gatherings of five or more people.[19][20] The protesters were cleared using riot police.[19] In the process, police detained 20 demonstrators, among them three protest leaders, and imposed a ban on sensitive media stories.[21] The government indicated it would set up a state-of-emergency command center. During the day, troops were dispatched to guard Government House and Parliament,[22] raising alarm from an opposition member of parliament (MP) of resembling pre-2014 coup days.[23] Opposition parties demanded the revoking of the Emergency Decree and an extraordinary session of Parliament.[24] Two activists were arrested on the charge of attempting an “act of violence against the queen’s liberty”, an arcane law which incurs a possible life sentence, but eyewitnesses confirmed that they only shouted at the motorcade.[3][25] Three senior policemen were transferred and investigated for the motorcade incident.[26] A smaller planned occupation of at least 13,500 participants went ahead at 4pm at the Ratchaprasong intersection,[27][28] where bloodshed occurred during the crackdown in 2010.[27][29] Twenty more protesters were arrested,[30] but the movement vowed to continue protesting with flash protest tactics.[31] A legal aid group reported at least 51 people were arrested between 13 and 15 October.[32]

Crackdown at Patumwan Intersection

Police using water cannon to disperse protesters at Pathum Wan Intersection on 16 October.

On 16 October, the Thai cabinet confirmed a month-long state of emergency, reserving the right to impose a curfew and martial law.[33] Prayut's remark of the protesters "don’t be careless, because people can die today, or tomorrow [...] Do not trifle with the powerful Grim Reaper," paraphrasing Buddha's teaching, was viewed by protesters as threatening the use of deadly force and as the actions of "a tyrant".[34] Around 2,000 unarmed protesters, mostly teenagers, gathered at Pathum Wan Intersection, and two hours later were dispersed by the police. High-pressure water cannons with chemical-filled water and tear gas were used.[35][36] The leader of the opposition Move Forward Party unsuccessfully asked police to evacuate the injured. The Commander of the Metropolitan Police reported at least 100 people were arrested.[37] Protesters vowed to continue.[28] Within hours of the crackdown, students from many universities nationwide held flash protests in response.[38][39][40] Some right-wing personalities used an AFP video clip which showed a police officer in full riot gear being hit with pincers to question whether the protesters were unarmed.[41][42] The blue colour dye in the water—speculated to be methylene blue, Azure A, or Thionine[43]—was used to mark participants for potential arrest later.[44] Protesters complained that the water contained a skin and eye irritant.[44] The police could not confirm the exact type of chemicals deployed and were criticized for not appearing more curious about the chemicals they had purchased.[45] The police said the chemicals were not dangerous and that they were following "international standards" for crowd control;[44][46] however, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights guidance states water cannon should be used only against violent protests.[47]

The aftermath of the crackdown

Protests grew bigger afterwards as the leaders adjusted and held demonstrations at multiple locations on short notice, giving police less opportunity to coordinate a response.[48] On 17 October, an estimated 23,000 participants held rallies mainly at three different sites in Bangkok and several smaller sites, despite the government-ordered shutdown of the MRT and BTS rapid transit systems, which affected hundreds of thousands of commuters.[49] Protests were also held in at least six other provinces. Two demonstrators who were charged with attempting "violence against the queen’s liberty" were granted bail.[50] On 18 October, according to police figures, approximately 4,000 protesters demonstrated at Victory Monument, with over 2,000 attending rallies at two Bangkok intersections; protests continued in several provinces.[51] On 19 October, crowds gathered at three locations in the northern suburbs of Bangkok, including outside Bangkok Remand Prison, where many activists arrested for involvement in the protest were detained. Two demands were also presented to the government, asking for the release of activists without persecution and for the emergency decree to be revoked within 24 hours.[52] On 20 October, after the government threatened to shut down Facebook pages and Telegram, the leading group of the protesters, the Free Youth, announced a 'big surprise' for 6pm,[53] which was revealed to be that protesters would take a break.[54]

External videos
video icon Assault of student protesters at Ramkhamhaeng University 21 October 2020, Twitter video

On 21 October, a pro-government Facebook page posted pictures of a parade of bureaucrats expressing allegiance to the King.[55] In a televised evening speech on 21 October, Prayut suggested that both sides de-escalate and reconcile their differences through the parliamentary process. He offered to promptly lift the state of severe emergency in Bangkok if there was no further violence[48][56] and asked the protesters to tone down the level of their rhetoric.[56] After gathering earlier in the day at Victory Monument, thousands marched the 4 km (2 mi) to Government House and delivered a resignation letter for Prayut to sign,[48] pledging to back off if he resigned within three days and dismissed all legal action against the protest leaders.[56] On the same day, the protesters and a group of royalist counter-protesters wearing yellow shirts clashed at Ramkhamhaeng University, when the latter crossed the police line and attacked the former,[57] resulting in one injured student and a prosecution report.[58] The following day, Prayut revoked the severe emergency declaration, on the grounds that the severity of the situation had lessened.[59][60]

Extraordinary session

A banner reading “Reform the monarchy” on Silom Road, Bangkok

On 24 October, after Prayut did not resign, leading movement protesters vowed to recommence street actions;[61] Prayut scheduled an emergency parliamentary session for 26–27 October.[62] Protesters did not trust his plan to amend the constitution and preferred that the government show good faith and resign before advocating for amendments.[63] The non-voting government sessions tabled three items on the agenda, none of which were addressed the protesters' concerns.[64][65] Sompong Amornwiwat of the Pheu Thai Party, the country's largest opposition party, asked Prayut to resign, while the Move Forward Party accused the prime minister of utilizing the royal motorcade incident to blame the protesters.[66] Palang Pracharath Party member Paiboon Nititawan defended the prime minister, citing his leadership during the economic crisis and his protection of the monarchy.[67] In addition, Seri Ruam Thai Party chairman Sereepisut Temiyavet walked out after House Speaker Chuan Leekpai insisted that he withdraw his use of the term "I Hear Too", a vulgar reference to the prime minister's nickname, Tuu.[68] As a result, Prayut said that the government would present a Constitutional amendment bill and a committee to resolve the political conflict would be set up,[69] however, Bangkok Post opined that it failed to reach any resolutions to the situation.[70]

On 26 October, protesters marched to the German Embassy in Bangkok, petitioning the German government to investigate the King's activities in Germany, including whether or not he had violated German sovereignty by exercising powers from German soil.[64][71][72] Earlier in the day, yellow-shirted monarchy supporters assembled at the embassy in advance of the planned rally and submitted a letter signed by the pro-royalist People of Thailand group to an official.[73] On 27 October, over 1,000 people dressed mostly in yellow demonstrated in support of the King at Lumphini Park in central Bangkok. Demonstrations by royalists have been smaller than the tens of thousands at the largest pro-democracy protests.[74]

On 29 October, protests at Sri Mariamman Temple in Bangkok's Si Lom district satirized the fashion business of the King's daughter Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, whose brand reportedly received 13 million baht from the Ministry of Commerce budget.[75][76][77]

On 30 October, after the release of three protest leaders, the police from another province immediately detained them further, prompting the flash protest outside the police station where they were kept.[78]

On 31 October, AFP released a fact-check article to debunk an idea that the German Foreign Minister said the Thai King did no wrong.[79]

References

  1. ^ "Students protest against abuse in schools, call for Education Minister to resign". Prachatai English. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Early rally site cleared, protesters arrested". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Beech, Hannah (16 October 2020). "Thailand Steps Up Response as Antigovernment Protests Escalate". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b Bengali, Shashank; Kirschbaum, Erik (16 October 2020). "A royal bubble bursts: Thailand's king faces trouble on two continents". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ a b Ashworth, Caitlin (14 October 2020). ""Elevated risk of unrest" after 21 activist arrests, UN department says". The Thaiger. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  6. ^ Ratcliffe, Rebecca; Nilayodhin, Thanit (13 October 2020). "The king and I: the student risking jail by challenging Thailand's monarchy". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  7. ^ Johnson, Panu Wongcha-um, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Kay (13 October 2020). "Thai protesters clash with police, call out as king's motorcade passes". Reuters. Retrieved 13 October 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ "Protesters gathering at Democracy Monument". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  9. ^ "Anti-Gov't Protest Plans Complicated by Royal Itinerary". Khaosod English. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020 – via Reuters.
  10. ^ "Imposters Among Us: Royalists Showing Support for Protest Go Viral". Khaosod English. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  11. ^ "Bangkok On Edge as Royalists Face Off With Anti-Gov't Protesters". Khaosod English. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Arrests heighten rally concerns". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  13. ^ "Anti-government protesters reach Government House, criticize monarchy". Prachatai English. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  14. ^ a b "Thai protests: Thousands gather in Bangkok as king returns to country". BBC News. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  15. ^ "Protesters vow to stay 3 days at Govt House to oust Prayut". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  16. ^ a b c Tostevin, Matthew; Tanakasempipat, Patpicha; Setboonsarng, Chayut; Wongcha-um, Panu (23 October 2020). "Turning point in Thailand: Queen's brush with protest". Reuters. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  17. ^ a b "PM ORDERS PROSECUTION OF PROTESTERS WHO 'BLOCKED ROYAL CONVOY'". Khaosod English. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  18. ^ "เกาะติด "คณะราษฎร" ชุมนุม 14 ตุลา "ราษฎรจะเดินนำ ที่ราชดำเนิน" – บีบีซีไทย". BBC Thai (in Thai). Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  19. ^ a b Vegpongsa, Tassannee (14 October 2020). "Thai Leader Declares 'Severe' State of Emergency in Bangkok as Anti-Government Protests Continue". Time.com. AP. Archived from the original on October 15, 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  20. ^ "Police clear protest as emergency decree bans gatherings". Bangkok Post. Reuters. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  21. ^ "Twenty protesters arrested, planned Thursday rally prohibited". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  22. ^ "Prawit-led centre likely to handle situation". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  23. ^ "'รังสิมันต์ โรม'โพสต์ภาพทหารเข้าประจำการรัฐสภาหวั่นคล้ายสถานการณ์ปี57". Siam Rath (in Thai). 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  24. ^ "ฝ่ายค้านจี้ยกเลิกประกาศสถานการณ์ฉุกเฉินทันที เสนอเปิดประชุมสภาสมัยวิสามัญ". Thai Rath (in Thai). 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  25. ^ Regan, Helen (16 October 2020). "Two Thai protesters could face life imprisonment for violence against the Queen". CNN. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  26. ^ English, Khaosod (15 October 2020). "3 Senior Policemen Removed for Motorcade Bedlam". Khaosod English.
  27. ^ a b "Activist Leaders Arrested But Ratchaprasong Rally to Go Ahead". www.khaosodenglish.com. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  28. ^ a b "Water cannon used on protesters". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  29. ^ Sriring, Orathai; Wongcha-um, Panu (25 October 2020). "Thai protesters say they will petition Germany over king". Reuters. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  30. ^ "Thai protests: Demonstrators gather again in Bangkok, defying crackdown". BBC News. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  31. ^ "Protesters occupy Ratchaprasong intersection". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  32. ^ "Prayut Refuses To Resign, Police Crack Down on Protesters". Khaosod English. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  33. ^ "Cabinet confirms state of emergency, curfew if protests escalate". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  34. ^ "'Everyone Can Die Any Moment,' Outrage at Prayut's Protest Remark". Khaosod English. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  35. ^ "Thai police resort to teargas, arrest warrants against protesters". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  36. ^ "Thailand protests: Riot police fire water cannon as protesters defy rally ban". BBC News. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  37. ^ "พรรคก้าวไกล เจรจา ผบช.น. เข้าพื้นที่ชุมนุม พาคนเจ็บออกจากม็อบ". ประชาชาติธุรกิจ (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  38. ^ "นักศึกษาธรรมศาสตร์ จัดแฟลชม็อบ ประณามสลายการชุมนุม". Prachachat Turakij (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  39. ^ "นศ.ลุกฮือประณามรัฐ ต่อต้านใช้ความรุนแรง". Bangkokbiznews (in Thai). Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  40. ^ "นักศึกษา ม.ขอนแก่น รับไม่ได้ ลุกฮือจัดชุมนุม ประณามการกระทำจนท". Khaosod (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  41. ^ "'หมอวรงค์'งัดภาพม็อบทำร้ายจนท.ด้วยคีมตัดเหล็กขนาดใหญ่ แฉขบวนการบิดเบือน". Siam Rath (in Thai). 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  42. ^ "อัษฎางค์ เปิดประเด็น ม็อบมือเปล่าจริงหรือ ด่าสถาบันฯ กลางราชประสงค์...เรียกชุมนุมสงบจริงหรือ". TNews (in Thai). 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  43. ^ "ไขข้อสงสัย สลายม็อบ 'แยกปทุมวัน' ทำไมต้อง 'น้ำสีฟ้า' !?". ฺBangkokbiznews (in Thai). Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  44. ^ a b c Neumann, Scott (16 October 2020). "Police In Bangkok Use Water Cannon To Break Up Anti-Government Protests". NPR.com. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  45. ^ "Police insist water cannons did not fire harmful chemicals". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  46. ^ Yuda, Masayuki (18 October 2020). "Thailand's crackdown on protests turns violent: Five things to know". Nikkei Asian Review.
  47. ^ Human Rights Watch (17 October 2020). "Thailand: Water Cannon Used Against Peaceful Activists". Human Rights Watch.
  48. ^ a b c Paddock, Richard C.; Suhartono, Muktita (21 October 2020). "Thailand's Leader Offers End to Crackdown on Pro-Democracy Protesters". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  49. ^ "Protesters pick 3 sites as mass transit shut down". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  50. ^ Thepgumpanat, Patpicha Tanakasempipat, Panarat (17 October 2020). "Tens of thousands protest across Thailand in defiance of ban". Reuters. Retrieved 17 October 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  51. ^ "House mulls meet to end unrest". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  52. ^ "Thailand latest: Protesters warn of a 'surprise' if demands not met". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  53. ^ coconutsbangkok (20 October 2020). "Free Youth vows 'surprise' if gov't fails to release protesters today | Coconuts Bangkok". Coconuts. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  54. ^ "Free Youth protesters hit pause". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  55. ^ "Crowds rally in provinces in support of monarchy". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  56. ^ a b c "PM offers end to 'emergency'". Bangok Post. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  57. ^ "ม.รามเดือด กลุ่มปกป้องสถาบัน เผชิญหน้า-ปะทะ กลุ่มรามคำแหงปชต. ตร.ห้ามวุ่น". Khaosod (in Thai). 21 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  58. ^ "เครือข่ายรามคำแหงฯ เข้าแจ้งความกลุ่มเสื้อเหลืองทำร้ายร่างกาย". Manager Online (in Thai). 21 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  59. ^ "State of emergency ends in Bangkok". Bangkok Post. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  60. ^ Regan, Helen (22 October 2020). "Thailand's Prime Minister lifts state of emergency. Protesters give him three days to resign". CNN.com. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  61. ^ "Democracy movement vows fresh protests after PM snub". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
  62. ^ "Protesters plan action after PM ignores deadline to quit". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
  63. ^ Prapart, Erich; Satrusayang, Cod (27 October 2020). "Student protest leaders do not trust the prime minister's offer to amend the constitution by December". Thai Enquirer. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  64. ^ a b "Thai protesters shun Parliament, ask Germany to probe king". ChannelNewsAsia.com. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  65. ^ Strangio, Sebastian (26 October 2020). "Thai Parliament Opens Special Session Over Anti-Government Protests". The Diplomat. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  66. ^ Sriring, Orathai; Staporncharnchai, Satawasin (26 October 2020). "'Please resign,' Thai opposition tells PM at protest debate". Reuters. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  67. ^ "Parliament begins crisis session as protest moves to German embassy". Bangkok Post. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  68. ^ "Lawmaker Walks Out From Parliament Over 'I Hear Too' Remark". Khaosod English. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  69. ^ "Charter change boost". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  70. ^ "No coup, deputy PM insists". Bangkok Post. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  71. ^ "Thai protesters march on German embassy to seek probe of king". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2020-10-26.
  72. ^ "Protesters march to German embassy". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2020-10-26.
  73. ^ "Royalists rally at German embassy, submit letter". Bangkok Post. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  74. ^ "Thailand royalists show support for king". AlJazeera.com. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  75. ^ Promchertchoo, Pichayada (29 October 2020). "Thai protesters stage 'people's runway' in downtown Bangkok against princess' fashion brand". ChannelNewsAsia.com. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  76. ^ "Khana Ratsadon 2020 put on a mock 'Sirivannavari Fashion Show'". Thisrupt. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  77. ^ "Government to spend 29 billion baht on monarchy". Prechatai. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  78. ^ "Police vow to detain 3 protesters further". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  79. ^ "คำพูดเกี่ยวกับการประท้วงต่อต้านรัฐบาลในประเทศไทยของรัฐมนตรีต่างประเทศเยอรมนี ถูกตีความผิดในสื่อสังคมออนไลน์". AFP Fact-check (in Thai). 29 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Timeline_of_the_2020_Thai_protests_(October_2020)&oldid=1151762386"