Bangkok’s Protest Pulse: The 2018 March
On a chilly Tuesday morning, a crowd of more than a hundred brave souls gathered at a university in Bangkok, ready to march to Government House and demand that the military send elections out by November.
“Let’s Keep It Cool” – The Organizers’ Promise
Behind a truck belching loudspeaker sounds the protesters lined up, hands clasped, eyes set on the big red building. One of the organizers, Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat, shouted from the front:
“We’re marching peacefully. We hate the idea that they’ll try to stop us. If they do, we won’t fight back. The point is, the parents of this movement will see how peaceful we are.”
Police vs. Peaceful Protestors
- Deputy Police Chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul told reporters: “If the crowd moves into the prohibited zone, we’ll call the law at full play and issue up to six months’ imprisonment.”
- He added, “We’re not coming with guns – only batons.”
What Went Wrong? Military Cracks & Protester Tensions
Then there’s a side story. Sunai Phasuk, a human‑rights researcher, revealed that two activists were “jammed” in a secret prison for simply bringing loudspeakers to a rally. They were released early, but the incident left a sour note.
The Larger Picture: The Junta’s “Perception Crisis”
Surveys flagged the junta, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), as struggling with public image. They’ve delayed the promised 2015 elections and now shift the tentative date to February 2019, leaving people doubting whether it will be postponed again.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan brushed off the protest, telling them they could send a rep to the PM’s office: “We work hard; this team continues every day.”
People’s Voices in the Protest
Friends, family, and market vendors found a voice that day. Suchada Saebae raised her flag at dawn, weighing in, “Since 6 a.m., I’ve stayed because the NCPO has worked nothing but shoddy stuff.” Some protesters cheerfully held Thai flags or wielded cartoon signs featuring Prime Minister Prayuth as “Pinocchio”. The movement has a long history, from the earlier “red shirts” to the supporters of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
Benefits & Risks of the 2018 Protest
- Pros: It pushes the narrative that democracy needs to return and spreads criticism on the junta.
- Cons: Police blocked the government’s approach, leaving the 2018 march uncertain.
One thing’s clear: the people of Thailand have been fighting for a national vision longer than the old “coup” legends. The 2018 protest was yet another bullet point in the fight. The result? A veteran time of the kicked march and a chatter of “let’s keep it commem.*秩 after.”
