Leader of Future Forward Party Thanathorn Jungroongruangkit predicted this morning that the Prayut government will face more street protests in the coming months as people are increasingly frustrated with what he described as the “legacy of dictatorship”.
Speaking to reporters while participating in the “Run Against Loong” event at Vachirabenjathas Park in Chatuchak area, Thanathorn said the much-publicized activity was another demonstration of “people’s power” against military role in politics.
“I can say that the year 2020 will see more street protests. People will want to see a rewriting of the Constitution and political reforms. And there will be protests over economic issues,” he said.
Thanathorn described the running event as part a first step to fight against dictatorship and demand a return to democracy. He had earlier vowed to take to the streets to lead a campaign to oust Prayut.
“It’s now time for the people to rise,” he said and added that time was “running out for Prayut”.
Thanathorn and his Future Forward Party have denied they are behind the running event which is widely seen as an attempt to whip up public sentiment against the Prayut government and the military. Thousands of people, including many political figures and activists, turned up to join the activity.
Meanwhile, at the same time a pro-Prayut event, dubbed “Walk For Loong” was organized at Lumpini Park. Participants included prominent supporters of the Prayut government.
Thanathorn, who has already lost his MP status over a media share-holding case, is facing a series of charges that could threaten his political future and that of his party. On January 21, the Constitutional Court will rule whether the party would be dissolved over an allegation that it and its executives have engaged in activities hostile to democratic system under the monarchy.
