By Sofia Waldron
The hashtag “#WhyDoWeNeedAKing?” was used more than 1 million times by protesters to direct criticism against King Vajiralongkorn and the government during quarantine. In early June of 2020, mass protests were held for the investigation of a government critic that disappeared in Cambodia. About a month later, 2,500 protesters assembled at the Democracy Monument, demanding new elections and the termination of Parliament.
The protests have not been aimless. On the contrary, they have clear goals: the people of Thailand stipulate three changes to their government, and not one less. They demand the eradication of the current Parliament, a new constitution, and the government to guarantee the Thai people freedom and a voice in their country. The government, however, has not reacted sympathetically nor rationally to the people of Thailand. Instead, it has arrested and charged multiple citizens for attending protests and has accused many more of spreading false/misleading information and speaking out against the Thai government online. In addition to these accusations, 53 Thai citizens were held captive in military prisons in Nakhon Chai Si and Thung Song Hong, and 6 forced disappearances were reported.
There are many actions to take to help the Thai people no matter where you are or what language you speak. One way to help is to continue to speak up about what is occurring: sharing information, petitions, and links is beneficial for the Thai people. Donating to organizations dedicated to helping Thailand is the most impactful for the Thai people, though. Amnesty International Thailand currently has a petition on its website as well as a link to donate to them; they are focused primarily on the protection of human rights in Thailand. Similar organizations such as Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), The Mirror Foundation, and Prachatai provide trusted sources for current and reliable news. Since the Thai government has attacked opposing political organizations and arrested their leaders, international support has renewed effect on the voices of the Thai people.
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