Thailand and Myanmar protesters exchange displays of dissent

Rallies yet to overcome authorities but succeed in raising public awareness

Demonstrators in Thailand have been inspired by their counterparts Myanmar to bang on kitchenware in public as a means of non-violent protest. The Thai protesters want the abolition of Article 112 of the criminal code -- the controversial law of lese-majeste. (Photo by Peerapon Boonyakiat / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) © AP

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

February 12, 2021 17:01 JST

BANGKOK -- Pro-democracy demonstrators in Thailand and Myanmar are pooling ideas as they peacefully protest against their respective governments, including statements of defiance like the three-finger salute inspired by The Hunger Games, a Hollywood film series.

"Abolish 112," Thai protesters yelled on Wednesday as they clanged metal pots and clattered everything from ladles to chopsticks, mimicking recent expressions of discontent in Myanmar.