Protesters speak out against Pheu Thai's efforts to maintain political control
In the heart of Bangkok, a gathering of demonstrators congregated at the Victory Monument on Sunday morning, marking a significant display of public dissent. The organiser of this protest was the Ruam Palang Phaen Din (United Power of the Land) coalition, a group that has been vocal in their opposition to the Pheu Thai Party's role in the national administration.
The Pheu Thai Party, which had been attempting to retain its power, proposed a swift dissolution of the House of Representatives to the People's Party. However, the Ruam Palang Phaen Din coalition expressed doubt that this move would resolve the country's crises.
The protestors demanded resistance to Pheu Thai's inclusion in the next coalition government, citing the party's alleged responsibility for the country's national crises. Beyond opposing Pheu Thai's role, the coalition insists on no amendments to constitutional provisions related to national unity and the constitutional monarchy.
The gathering also saw demands for the abolition of the 2000 and 2001 memorandums of understanding on the Thai-Cambodian border. This demand stems from a controversial phone conversation between Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian strongman Hun Sen in June, which led to her removal from the position of prime minister by the Constitutional Court on Friday.
The protest leaders also opposed an entertainment complex bill that would legalise casinos and a bill to extend property leases for foreigners from 30 to 99 years. Approximately 200 people were present in the early hours of the protest.
The Move Forward Party and other opposition groups joined forces with the Ruam Palang Phaen Din coalition in this demonstration. They also demanded opposition to the next prime minister being drawn from the Pheu Thai Party. If Pheu Thai remains in government, Mr Pichit's group, the leader of the Ruam Palang Phaen Din coalition, has threatened to escalate demonstrations.
The Ruam Palang Phaen Din coalition has also scrapped the financial hub bill from their demands, indicating a shift in their focus towards more pressing political issues. The protests serve as a reminder of the ongoing political tensions in Thailand and the public's growing discontent with the current political landscape.
