Thai demonstrations might turn violent and cause a military coup: Analyst

0
477
Thai protests could turn violent and lead to a military coup: Analyst

Revealed: The Secrets our Clients Used to Earn $3 Billion

Thailand might possibly go back to rule under the military junta once again — if violence ought to flare in between pro-democracy trainee protesters and “counter-protesters” devoted to the facility, one expert informed CNBC on Monday.   

The pro-democracy demonstrations, which have actually lasted for months, have actually been mainly serene up until now. Among the protesters’ list of needs are the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and reforms to the monarchy. Prayuth has actually overlooked protesters’ due date for him to step down.

Royalists — frequently referred to as the “yellow shirts” — have in current weeks began to hold counter demonstrations. Last Wednesday, a little counter demonstration in Bangkok turned violent when a couple of guests assaulted trainee demonstrators on the anti-government camp, reported the Associated Press.

“I think that there’s going to be growing tensions which could actually develop into some conflict, perhaps some violent conflict and that’s very dangerous,” Paul Chambers, speaker and consultant at Naresuan University’s Center of ASEAN Community Studies, informed CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia.”

“These peaceful protests are going to continue, try to continue on. However, there’s going to be some right-wing counter-protesters who I expect are going to try to create some violence, which could lead to some injuries and deaths and eventually, even potentially a military coup,” he stated.

Chambers described that if clashes in between pro-democracy protesters and royalists grow, the armed force would have the “perfect rationale” to step in. That might put an end to the present “facade democracy” — which is indirectly controlled by the military — and mark the start of a brand-new junta, he stated.

Such an advancement will not bring much peace for the nation, he included.

Thailand is no complete stranger to military coups, having last skilled one in 2014 crafted by the present prime minister. Last year, the nation held its very first basic election because that coup, which saw the military-backed Palang Pracharath Party lead the union federal government.

Prayuth — now retired from the army — was chosen as prime minister by a parliament including lots of selected senators from the Thai military and cops.

The financial outlook for the Southeast Asian nation has actually dimmed significantly this year although the nation’s coronavirus break out is now mainly under control. The International Monetary Fund predicted the Thai economy might contract by 7.1% this year.