Protesters voice opposition to Pheu Thai's power preservation efforts
In the heart of Bangkok, demonstrations led by the Ruam Palang Phaen Din (United Power of the Land) coalition have been intensifying. The protests, which began on Sunday at the Victory Monument, were sparked by the removal of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister by the Constitutional Court on Friday.
The demonstrators, numbering around 200 in the early hours, have been vocal in their opposition to Pheu Thai leading the government. They claim that the party has been responsible for national crises and have criticized it for failing to keep past promises.
The Ruam Palang Phaen Din coalition has also demanded the scrapping of a financial hub bill and the dismissal of any entertainment complex bill that would legalize casinos. Beyond opposing Pheu Thai's role, they have also called for the next government not to amend constitutional provisions relating to national unity and the constitutional monarchy.
The coalition's stance against Pheu Thai is not merely a rejection of the party's leadership. They have also rejected a bill to extend property leases for foreigners from 30 to 99 years, and have demanded the abolition of the 2000 and 2001 memorandums of understanding on the Thai-Cambodian border.
Their opposition is rooted in concerns about foreign influence and exploitation. The "Activist group of citizens and civil society" argues that laws related to foreigner regulations, casino laws, and the financial center threaten national sovereignty and economic stability.
Moreover, the controversial phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian strongman Hun Sen in June has added fuel to the fire. This serious violation of ethics led to Paetongtarn's removal from the prime minister position.
However, the Pheu Thai Party has not given up on retaining its power to run Thailand's national administration. They have proposed a swift dissolution of the House of Representatives to the People's Party. Yet, the leaders of the demonstration have expressed doubts that a swift House dissolution would resolve the country's crises.
As the demonstrations continue, it remains to be seen how the political landscape of Thailand will unfold. The leaders of the demonstration have made it clear that they will not accept Pheu Thai's inclusion in the next coalition government and have threatened to escalate demonstrations if Pheu Thai remains in government.
