Thousands march in Bangkok ahead of reopening to tourists

Thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flocked to downtown Bangkok yesterday, defying Covid-19 curbs against mass gatherings and a plea by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to refrain from street protests as Thailand prepares to welcome back more tourists.

The protesters called for the lese majeste law that makes it a crime to insult the monarchy, or Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, to be repealed.

Since last year, the student-led protest movement has been calling for Mr Prayut to resign, the Constitution to be amended and the monarchy to be reformed.

"Today, we protest to abolish 112. Because of this law we cannot have freedom of speech. We cannot say anything about the problems to do with the monarchy and how it can improve," prominent protest leader Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul told The Straits Times on the sidelines of the demonstration.

Yesterday's protest, which brought a carnival-like atmosphere to Bangkok's shopping belt at Ratchaprasong with food, drinks and music, came on the eve of Thailand's major reopening to tourists.

From today, vaccinated tourists from more than 60 countries and territories can visit Thailand without needing to serve quarantine.

"We did not plan this on purpose," said Ms Panusaya, referring to the timing of the protest.

"But even if we do not protest, people can still see how our country has not improved under this government."

The reopening is a vital lifeline for Thailand's travel and tourism sector, which used to make up close to one-fifth of the country's national income.

Strict border curbs, in place for more than a year to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, have crippled the industry.

Around 7,000 foreign arrivals are expected at Suvarnabhumi Airport today, Airports of Thailand president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn told the Bangkok Post.

While the protesters' demands for reform of the monarchy and the removal of Section 112 are not new, tensions over the use of the law have been rising following a string of arrests and charges against student protesters.

According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, at least 145 people are currently facing charges under Section 112.

The local media reported that five activists remain in custody pending trial on charges of defaming the monarchy, including protest leader Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak and human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa.

Student activist Patsaravalee "Mind" Tanakitvibulpon, 26, who is out on bail after being accused of lese majeste for a speech she made earlier this year, told ST: "I feel even more determined to fight because both the government and the judiciary at this time are unable to give justice to the people."

She acknowledged that today's reopening will help the economy recover and bring some financial relief, but noted that the people are still disgruntled.

"The negative feelings that people have towards the government are certain. (It will remain that way) until there is a revision of the power structure that will effectively solve the political and administrative problems of the country."

Last Friday, fresh orders banning rallies and activities deemed to be a Covid-19 risk were issued by the Thai authorities.

Taking effect today, the new order bans rallies and risky activities, especially in the 17 provinces designated for tourism reopening, unless these activities are specifically permitted by the authorities.

Last week, Mr Prayut asked demonstrators not to ruin Thailand's image with street protests, saying it would discourage visitors.

"These protest photos are shown in the foreign media every time," he said.