BANGKOK -- The dissolution of Thailand's second-largest opposition party has ignited unrest at universities as students organize demonstrations to demand more democracy, despite being warned by the government to stand down.
"We want our future back," Chonticha Jangrew shouted to a crowd of students at an anti-government protest at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok. "I am confident our new generation will not put up with being dictated to anymore," she said.
An alumnus of the university, Chonticha was one of a handful of student activists rallying against the junta in 2015, on the anniversary of the 2014 coup orchestrated by current Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. She ended up being arrested and spent 12 days in jail.
This time, hundreds of students gathered near the university's main playing field to hear her and several other speakers rail against the government. Some in the crowd held signs expressing opposition to the government's heavy-handed policies.
"The government curbed our rights in the name of national security," said a student at the event. "Imagine our future if this situation continues. It's time to fight," she said.
Similar protests were held at other campuses throughout the week. On Monday, hundreds of students at prestigious Chulalongkorn University assembled to make their voices heard -- a rare occurrence as students there are not known for their activism. The demonstrations were joined by a group at Triumudomsuksa School, the first high school to take part in pro-democracy rallies.
The government had advised schools to discourage large gatherings due to the new coronavirus outbreak. Students ignored the advisory, with many donning masks to guard their health as well as identities.
There is growing unease among students that the government is ignoring calls for more democracy. On Feb. 21, Thailand's Constitutional Court ordered the disbandment of Future Forward, the country's second-largest opposition party. Led by the charismatic young millionaire Thanathorn Jungroongruangkit, the party had pledged to reduce the military budget, extend civilian control of the government, and review the role of the monarchy in politics -- all positions that are strongly supported by the nation's youth.
The court ruled that the 41-year-old leader had funded the party illegally by providing a loan at an extremely low interest rate. The judgment came under fire from 36 law professors at Thammasat University.
Students ignored government advisories not to congregate, ostensibly issued over fears of the new coronavirus. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
Thai laws prohibit political parties from receiving more than 10 million baht ($320,000) in cash donations, properties, or any other benefits. The court said the low-interest loan was a form of benefit. Thammasat professors, disagreed, claiming the court was overinterpreting the law.
Before the ruling, the party held 76 of the 500 seats in the lower house of parliament. Upon dissolution, 11 executive members of Future Forward were banned from running for office or being involved in a new party for 10 years. The remaining 65 were given 60 days to join other parties.
Although party supporters expected the 65 to stick with the opposition, in less than a week nine had defected to Bhumjaithai Party, a member of the ruling coalition. The move left Future Forward's 6.2 million voters in the March 2019 elections anxious that their views would not be represented.
"Students are awakened. The dynamic of change has started," Thanathorn said.
The prime minister seemed sympathetic, at least to a certain degree. "I am concerned about the gatherings. I understand their demand, but they should listen to many sources of information so that they have a better understanding of how the nation should progress," he said on Thursday.
Prayuth's ruling coalition vowed to help reconcile differences in the country, among them the generational divide between an entrenched ruling class and the country's increasingly dissatisfied youth.
The government, however, may be clueless. On Feb 14, Thailand's Culture Ministry revealed that Prayuth has ordered the production of at least one war film a year to boost patriotism and awareness of key institutions, such as religion and the monarchy.
The younger generation likely views these and other efforts as ways to force obedience rather than foster harmony. "The generations will never reconcile as long as Prayuth is the leader," a 19-year-old Srinakharinwirot student said.
So far, the gatherings have been peaceful and confined to campuses. However, Chonticha sees the movement gaining strength. "I believe university students will soon march to Government House or even Prayuth's residence," she said.
If the protests escalate, the country could see students manning roadblocks, a potentially dangerous development that in the past has led to police clashes and bloodshed.
