Thousands of Harry Potter Fans Demand Democracy in Bangkok
Thousands of students, dressed as Harry Potter characters, took to the streets of Bangkok on August 4, protesting for democracy and law reform. Despite a state of emergency and government restrictions, the protests have continued to grow in size and intensity.
On August 16, the largest rally to date took place at the Democracy Monument, with over 20,000 people gathering to voice their demands. Students are calling for an end to authorities' harassment, a new constitution, and the dissolution of parliament. They are using creative methods to express their dissent, such as garden walks, dressing up as Harry Potter characters, and the three-finger salute.
The three-finger salute, borrowed from the Hunger Games, has become a symbol of defiance against the junta since 2014. Protests have been ongoing, with a rally at the Democracy Monument on July 18 attracting around 2,000 people despite government attempts to obstruct it with potted plants. On July 30, protesters gathered at Government House, washing 'dirty dishes' to symbolize issues like the defence budget and lack of pandemic support.
However, the government has cracked down on the protests. On August 17, several protest leaders, including Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Parit Chiwarak, were arrested for sedition, illegal assembly, and breach of emergency decree. The Bangkok Post has published editorials condemning the arrests and urging tolerance for student activism.
The arrests have not deterred the students, who continue to demand democratic reforms. The government's response to the protests remains a contentious issue, with international attention focused on the situation in Thailand.
