Protests led by frustrated, defiant youth gain momentum in Thailand

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Free People demands that the government stop harassing its critics, amend the military-backed Constitution and dissolve the House of Representatives for fresh elections. It also has what it calls a "dream" of a democracy with the monarch under the Constitution.

They are "frustrated about the longstanding political and economic suppression", said Tattep. "They cannot see what their future will be like. That's why they have come out."

Thailand has a lese majeste law which punishes those who insult or defame the monarchy with up to 15 years in jail. While this has not been used against the protesters yet, several activists, .... have been charged with sedition and other offences.

Anti-monarchy activists in recent years have met grimmer fates. Last year, the bodies of two such exiles washed up on the banks of the Mekong River. They had been disembowelled and stuffed with concrete.

Asked about the possible dangers ahead, Ms Panusaya, who is leader of a group called United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, said: "I'm prepared. I've told my colleagues what to do if I die, and how they can contact my family."

Compare with the youth protestors in Hong Kong....and possibly those in the BLM in the US? Contrast with the more subdued response of the youth in Singapore and China. Why do u think this is so? In some situations, could the protests have moved on to cyberspace instead? Think keyboard warriors.....

Qns:

1. How important is it for young people to be involved in political activism? (ACJC Prelim 2020)

2. ‘The only concerns of young people today are self-centred ones.’ Is this a fair statement? (ASRJC Prelim 2020)

3. Consider the view that activism is more noise than substance. (EJC Prelim 2020)

4. Evaluate the claim that youth activism is more about being trendy than having a genuine concern about politics. (NJC Prelim 2020)

5. To what extent do young people in your society take an interest in politics? (Cam. 2006)