PROGRESSIVE Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit accused the government of trying to get rival protest groups to clash with each other with this is setting the stage for a new coup d’état but warned that if there is a coup this time it will end differently, Siam Rath newspaper reported this evening (Nov/ 15, 2020).
Regarding fears that the two protest groups might clash at Parliament on Tuesday November 17 when a constitution amendment debate will take place in a joint session, Thanathorn said he is less concerned about such a clash than that in the end no amendment would be made.
This would further anger the protesters and make the situation more worrying, he warned, also urging both Bhumjaithai and Democrat parties to take action according to their campaign pledges.
On Mom Chao Julajerm Yukol’s Facebook post proposing that the Democracy Monument be smashed, Thanathorn said he had not read this post so would not make a comment. However he pointed out that this monument had been clothed many times in the past and the demonstrators doing so yesterday would not be the first nor the last time it is so done.
The Progressive Movement leader also said he did not think the protesters are a mob, as they are usually referred to in Thai, with their rallies being more like a festival or a carnival where everyone talks about various issues, such as rights, and this is an admirable and creative act of the new generation.
CAPTION:
Top: Thanathorn talking to the press. Photo: Siam Rath
