Political activists in Bangkok have held rallies at the HQs of the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties, furious at attempts of the Pheu Thai officials to align with pro-military parties.
The group, mostly on motorbikes and bicycles first gathered at the BTS Mo Chit station on Phahon Yothin Road at about 1.30pm yesterday, August 13. The activists say they are angry at attempts by both the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party to court pro-junta parties as they attempt to form a government.
The pro-junta parties, nicknamed the ‘Uncle’ parties by Thais, include Palang Pracharat and United Thai Nation party with Gen Prawit Wongsuwan and Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as their leaders
From the BTS station, the rally moved to Bhumjaithai party headquarters further along Phahon Yothin Road, with activists gathering outside the building at around 3.00pm. The building was closed and surrounded by a heavy police presence.
The assembled protesters slammed the party, led by outgoing health minister Anutin Charnvirakul, for its Covid-19 policies and the decriminalisation of cannabis. Activists threw leaflets and splashed paint at the building.
They then attached glue traps, normally used to catch mice, to Bhumjaithai signage. Anutin is frequently referred to by the nickname “Noo”, meaning mouse in Thai.
The protesters then moved off to the headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party on Phetchaburi Road, arriving there at about 4.45pm. The building was also closed and surrounded by police.
The activists threw Pheu Thai souvenirs that had been ripped up, including stickers, and calendars, as well as torn Pheu Thai shirts, and smashed souvenir cups. They called on the Pheu Thai party to restore the coalition with the Move Forward Party.
The Move Forward Party won the most seats in the May 14 general election, securing 151 in total. Pheu Thai came second, with 141, while Bhumjaithai came third, with 71.
Originally in a Move Forward-led coalition, Pheu Thai jumped ship when the Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat lost his PM bid due to his party’s stance on the lèse-majesté law. The party is now attempting to form a coalition government with its former political foes, Bhumjaithai, a move which has infuriated a number of Pheu Thai supporters.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
