Economist Podcasts At his majesty, displeasure: Thailand’s anti-monarchy push
Nov 26, 2020
Tom Felix Jung, The Economist's Thailand correspondent, discusses the surge of youthful pro-democracy protests challenging King Mahavajira Longkorn. He explores the stringent lese-majesty laws and the growing demands for accountability within the monarchy. Jung also connects these developments to other global tensions, including unrest in Uganda sparked by a political pop star's arrest. The conversation dips into the cultural significance of Thanksgiving, tying it all together with reflections on democratic movements worldwide.
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Fearless Youth
- Thai protesters are getting younger and bolder, directly criticizing the King.
- This is unprecedented due to Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws, punishable by up to 15 years in jail.
King's Power Grab
- King Maha Vajiralongkorn has taken steps to consolidate power since taking the throne.
- He changed the Crown Property Bureau law, giving himself direct control over significant assets previously held in trust for the nation.
Shifting Demands
- Protesters initially demanded constitutional change, free speech, and monarchy reform.
- The focus has shifted primarily to the monarchy, now termed "anti-monarchy" protests, making broader alliances difficult.
