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Several controversial protest groups will hold a rally in Bangkok on Friday ahead of the anniversary of the 1932 revolution which replaced the country’s absolute monarchy system with a constitutional one.
The move will likely irk conservative Thais and the ruling establishment who have shunned the mention of the monarchy due to cultural sensitivities but who have been forced to confront the issue due to ongoing protests.
The Ratsadon, We Volunteer (WeVo) and Thalu Fah are calling for their supporters to gather at the Democracy Monument at 4 pm before marching to the Lan Khon Mueang Town Square.
The rally at the town square is expected to be between 5 pm and 10 pm.
“Around 10 to 20 groups will come together to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the transition from absolute monarchy to the current constitutional monarchy system,” Piya “Toto” Tavichai, the leader of WeVo, told Thai Enquirer by phone.
Piya said there will be activities, art exhibitions, and discussion groups about Thailand’s political history. There will also be shows by LGBTQ+ activists and live bands including The Samanchon band, Ammy The Bottom Blues, and Rap Against Dictatorship.
He said he does not expect any confrontation with authorities as the police has no plan to block the march.
“The plan is to march from Democracy Monument through Dinso Road and then onward to Lan Khon Mueang and it is expected to take no more than 30 minutes,” he said.
As for demands, Piya said there might be political speeches to call for the right to bail of political prisoners in pretrial detention but the gathering will mainly consist of activities and shows.
Currently, there are 20 political prisoners who are being detained on pretrial detention.
Many of the detainees are members of the Thalugaz group who have been known for their violent confrontation with police.