The throbbing heart of Bangkok, Asok intersection, starts to buzz with an air of anticipation. Sunday is fast approaching, and it’s not just another regular day. Supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP) are heeding a call to action; political activist Sombat Boonngam-anong has summoned their presence. An extra layer of police protection is also being deployed to monitor the anticipated gathering of 200 attendees, with the primary goal of ensuring the safety of all involved and upholding the peace.
Station chief Pol Col Phansa Amarapitak from Thonglor police station stated that a company of organized and trained officers has been organized in aid of the event. Furthermore, an additional set of officers hailing from the nearby Lumpini police station has been arranged to oversee the proceedings effectively, thereby creating a dual layer of security to manage the gathering. However, a clearance from the district office would be indispensable if Mr. Sombat wished to use a high-decibel loudspeaker or an electric generator for the event proceedings.
The crux of the assembly revolves around the alleged misconduct of senators who opposed MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat during the recent prime ministerial vote. According to posts on Mr. Sombat’s Facebook page, this congregation is a call-to-action for those who oppose these unfavorable decisions, urging them to join the assembly at 5 pm on Sunday.
This anticipated protest also has another goal – to put pressure on House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, urging him to file a petition against the controversial senators with the Constitutional Court. The basis for this is that they allegedly acted in a manner deemed counterproductive to the democratic system.
In similar vein, Mr. Sombat was at the forefront of the “Asok Model” anti-government protest in September 2021. Alongside Nattawut Saikuar, a stalwart of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, they successfully rallied a mass protest to challenge the reign of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Their unified voices echoed across the streets of Bangkok for several days until their cries were answered.
Meanwhile, amidst the growing tensions, Kasetsart University has called for decency and respect in expressing opinions. This follows an incident at a protest held within the university premises, where the national flag was replaced with a black flag by the protesters – a symbol signifying their discontent with the senators’ role.
While the university respects freedom of expression and a diversity of opinions, the administration asserts that disrespecting the national flag is a step too far. They advocate for a democratic system with the king as its figurehead, upholding the sanctity of the national symbol. The university’s stance was publicly declared through a statement posted on their Facebook page, ensuring all points of view are respected within the institution’s premises.
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