For the first time, a mass movement is openly calling for monarchy reform in Thailand. This breaks a taboo surrounding the almost sacred status of the royal institution. Influenced by last year’s protests in Hong Kong, young Thais are using social media and popular culture to showcase their demands. The protesters want the power and spending of King Vajiralongkorn to be limited.
The monarchy has lost much of the reverence it enjoyed during the long reign of King Bhumibol, who passed away in late 2016. His less popular son, King Vajiralongkorn, is now the target of the protests. In recent years, the king has resided almost exclusively in Germany and has acquired a lot of power. Now he is back in Thailand, meeting with royalists and encouraging them to counter the student-led protests with their own demonstrations.
The stage seems set for a dangerous showdown between these two factions.
The BBC’s Jonathan Head spoke to people on both sides.
Watch the documentary on YouTube via this link
—
