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Anti-government protesters in Thailand on Sunday challenged King Maha Vajiralongkorn's control over army units in the country, triggering a larger debate over whether the king should have any&nbsp;military’s control at all.

Protesters in the country have openly defied the king even after gatherings were banned. Breaking taboo after taboo, protesters have openly criticised the monarchy, something not very commonplace in the country.

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In fact, Thailand’s constitution effectively bans insulting the monarchy. On Sunday, hordes of protesters convened to march to the 11th Infantry Regiment - one of the two units that came under the king’s control in 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/protesters-in-thailand-move-to-bangkok-suburbs-calling-for-election-346110" hreflang="en">Protesters in Thailand move to Bangkok suburbs calling for election</a>

"An army should belong to the people, not the king," Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak told reporters.&nbsp;"In a democratic system, the king is not responsible for directing command of the military”, the protester added.

According to the protesters, the monarchy has controlled the military and continues to dominate it.

Protests in the country began in July to demand the ousting of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader.&nbsp;

The protesters also demanded a fresh constitution, and have now moved on to demanding a cap on the powers exercised by the king. Protesters were seen removing razor wire barricades across the barracks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thailands-pro-democracy-protesters-warn-of-possible-coup-346027" hreflang="en">Thailand's pro-democracy protesters warn of possible coup</a>

The PM has repeatedly rejected demands of protesters. Many protesters believed that he held on to power by engineering an election last year.

No comment from the Royal Palace has been made so far. But the king said that the protesters continued to be loved by them “all the same”.

Anti-government protesters in Thailand on Sunday challenged King Maha Vajiralongkorn's control over army units in the country, triggering a larger debate over whether the king should have any military’s control at all.

Anti-government protesters in Thailand on Sunday challenged King Maha Vajiralongkorn's control over army units in the country, triggering a larger debate over whether the king should have any military’s control at all. Protesters in the country have openly defied the king even after gatherings were banned. Breaking taboo after taboo, protesters have openly criticised the monarchy, something not very commonplace in the country. In fact, Thailand’s constitution effectively bans insulting the monarchy. On Sunday, hordes of protesters convened to march to the 11th Infantry Regiment - one of the two units that came under the king’s control in 2019. Also read: Protesters in Thailand move to Bangkok suburbs calling for election "An army should belong to the people, not the king," Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak told reporters. "In a democratic system, the king is not responsible for directing command of the military”, the protester added. According to the protesters, the monarchy has controlled the military and continues to dominate it. Protests in the country began in July to demand the ousting of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader. The protesters also demanded a fresh constitution, and have now moved on to demanding a cap on the powers exercised by the king. Protesters were seen removing razor wire barricades across the barracks. Also read: Thailand's pro-democracy protesters warn of possible coup The PM has repeatedly rejected demands of protesters. Many protesters believed that he held on to power by engineering an election last year. No comment from the Royal Palace has been made so far. But the king said that the protesters continued to be loved by them “all the same”.

Thailand: Protesters question king's control over military units

Pro-democracy demonstrators in Thailand held another rally on Friday, and warned of the possibility of a military coup.

In the last rally on Wednesday, two men were reportedly shot and critically wounded.

The protest movement's core demands are for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended, and the monarchy reformed to make it more accountable.

In response, Thai authorities this past week escalated their legal battle against protest leaders, charging 12 of them with violating a harsh law against defaming the monarchy.

Historically, defending the monarchy triggered violence notably in 1976, when it led to the killings of dozens of students at a university protest against the return from exile of an ousted military dictator.

That event was the trigger for a coup, and since then Thailand has had successful coups in 1977, 1991, 2006 and 2014.

There is concern that if the government feels it cannot control the protests, which show little sign of abating, it may impose martial law or be ousted by the army in a coup.

Speakers at the rally on Friday evening also hence urged the crowd to take measures to resist any coup that might be launched.

(with inputs)

Pro-democracy demonstrators in Thailand held another rally on Friday, and warned of the possibility of a military coup. In the last rally on Wednesday, two men were reportedly shot and critically wounded.

Pro-democracy demonstrators in Thailand held another rally on Friday, and warned of the possibility of a military coup. In the last rally on Wednesday, two men were reportedly shot and critically wounded. The protest movement's core demands are for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended, and the monarchy reformed to make it more accountable. In response, Thai authorities this past week escalated their legal battle against protest leaders, charging 12 of them with violating a harsh law against defaming the monarchy. Historically, defending the monarchy triggered violence notably in 1976, when it led to the killings of dozens of students at a university protest against the return from exile of an ousted military dictator. That event was the trigger for a coup, and since then Thailand has had successful coups in 1977, 1991, 2006 and 2014. There is concern that if the government feels it cannot control the protests, which show little sign of abating, it may impose martial law or be ousted by the army in a coup. Speakers at the rally on Friday evening also hence urged the crowd to take measures to resist any coup that might be launched. (with inputs)

Thailand's pro-democracy protesters warn of possible coup

Who knew monkeys liked music?&nbsp;A British musician - Paul Barton recently played for the most unexpected audience - monkeys!

The monkeys in Thailand have grown to love Barton, and can be seen tugging at his hair, and climbing all over the place - literally!

Due to COVID-19 induced lockdown, monkeys in Thailand are not only desolate, but funds allocated for their care have also decreased, Reuters reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/monkeys-in-a-finnish-zoo-preferred-noise-of-traffic-over-nature-ongoing-study-finds-342200" hreflang="en">Monkeys in a Finnish zoo preferred noise of traffic over nature, ongoing study finds</a>

Given this situation, Barton hopes to bring relief to the animals, who are also receiving less help than usual due to the fall in tourism.

"We need to make an effort to make sure that they eat properly.&nbsp;And when they eat properly they will be calmer and will not be aggressive," said 59-year-old Barton, who has lived in Thailand for a long time.

<h6><img alt="British musician Paul Barton plays the piano for monkeys that occupy abandoned historical areas in Lopburi, Thailand November 21 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b121aa83-1f2d-4d26-b38d-0cb2ed04d5b9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_116.jpg" />British&nbsp;musician Paul Barton plays the piano for&nbsp;monkeys&nbsp;that occupy abandoned historical areas in Lopburi, Thailand November 21 2020 | Reuters</h6>

Barton recently played at four venues in Lopburi - notoriously famous for its monkeys. He played at an ancient Hindu temple, a hardware store, and a cinema.

As Barton played Greensleeves, Beethoven, and Michael Nyman, monkeys come running to hear the music, and to sit wherever they please.

The monkeys can be seen sitting on Barton’s stool, some sitting on his shoulders, and a few on the piano.

Small monkeys reportedly ran across piano keys, and many tried to chew off Barton’s music notes. "A wonderful opportunity to see the wild animals just being themselves," Barton told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-spreads-fake-news-about-oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-claims-it-turns-humans-into-monkeys-335768" hreflang="en">Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys</a>

"I was surprised to play the piano and find that they were actually eating the music as I was playing it”, the Briton from Yorkshire said.

"I wasn't going to let those things distract from the project which is to play the music for these wonderful macaques”, he added.

Barton is no stranger to animal audience. He has played Schubert, Bach, Chopin and Beethoven for elephants in retirement sanctuaries for over ten years. Barton wants to study the animals while raising awareness about them.

Who knew monkeys liked music? A British musician - Paul Barton recently played for the most unexpected audience - monkeys! The monkeys in Thailand have grown to love Barton, and can be seen tugging at his hair, and climbing all over the place - literally!

Who knew monkeys liked music? A British musician - Paul Barton recently played for the most unexpected audience - monkeys! The monkeys in Thailand have grown to love Barton, and can be seen tugging at his hair, and climbing all over the place - literally! Due to COVID-19 induced lockdown, monkeys in Thailand are not only desolate, but funds allocated for their care have also decreased, Reuters reported. Also read: Monkeys in a Finnish zoo preferred noise of traffic over nature, ongoing study finds Given this situation, Barton hopes to bring relief to the animals, who are also receiving less help than usual due to the fall in tourism. "We need to make an effort to make sure that they eat properly. And when they eat properly they will be calmer and will not be aggressive," said 59-year-old Barton, who has lived in Thailand for a long time. British musician Paul Barton plays the piano for monkeys that occupy abandoned historical areas in Lopburi, Thailand November 21 2020 | Reuters Barton recently played at four venues in Lopburi - notoriously famous for its monkeys. He played at an ancient Hindu temple, a hardware store, and a cinema. As Barton played Greensleeves, Beethoven, and Michael Nyman, monkeys come running to hear the music, and to sit wherever they please. The monkeys can be seen sitting on Barton’s stool, some sitting on his shoulders, and a few on the piano. Small monkeys reportedly ran across piano keys, and many tried to chew off Barton’s music notes. "A wonderful opportunity to see the wild animals just being themselves," Barton told Reuters. Also read: Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys "I was surprised to play the piano and find that they were actually eating the music as I was playing it”, the Briton from Yorkshire said. "I wasn't going to let those things distract from the project which is to play the music for these wonderful macaques”, he added. Barton is no stranger to animal audience. He has played Schubert, Bach, Chopin and Beethoven for elephants in retirement sanctuaries for over ten years. Barton wants to study the animals while raising awareness about them.

British musician plays classical tunes for hungry monkeys in Thailand

Prayuth has refused the protesters’ demand to resign and rejected their accusation that he engineered last year’s election to keep the power he seized in a 2014 coup.

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Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday threatened to use all possible laws against the protesters, as the demonstrations move forward for reforms to curb his expulsion and the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

WION Dispatch: Thai PM Prayuth threatens to use all laws against protesters

For the first time in decades, the people of Thailand are openly defying the authority of the monarchy. Despite a police crackdown, they are pushing for major reforms.

Gravitas: In Thailand, Protesters launch a challenge to the monarchy

Thai protesters' answer to water cannons: Inflatable yellow pool ducks

41 people were injured including 5 with gun shot wounds in Thailand. The incident took place during violent clash between hundreds of royalists who demonstrated outside the parliament to protest against the new constitution and the police.

Thailand: 41 people left injured in violent Bangkok protests

Thailand's government is facing a sustained protest campaign that has brought thousands of people, mostly young, out on the streets to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his cabinet

Thailand: Anti-government protesters hold 'Mob fest'

The monks in Thailand have been asked not to join anti-government protests that have erupted in the country for several months against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and King Maha Vajiralongkorn.&nbsp;

"The Supreme Sangha Council made resolutions to prohibit monks and novices from involvement in politics, including joining protests and expressing political opinions," said a spokesman for the government's National Office of Buddhism, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

In Thailand, over 90 per cent of people are Buddhists and religion traditionally plays a big role in the nation's society.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-prime-minister-prayuth-chan-ocha-refuses-to-resign-despite-protests-338463">Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha refuses to resign despite protests&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

So far, even though there has not much widespread support from the monks' community, some of them have participated in the demonstrations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-parliament-opens-pm-calls-for-illegal-protests-to-be-controlled-338055">Thailand parliament opens; PM calls for 'illegal protests' to be controlled</a>

"I will continue to join the protests to let them know that this is not right and inconsistent with the voices of most monks," said Chistnupong Praiparee, a monk who has taken part in three protests.

He also demanded reform of the Supreme Sangha Council other than the other demands made by the protesters.&nbsp;

The massive anti-government protests seek the removal of Prayuth, who has helmed the affairs following the controversial elections last year.

The protesters are also demanding a new constitution and a reduction in the powers of the monarchy, saying it has led to the control of the army in the political system for decades.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The monks in Thailand have been asked not to join anti-government protests that have erupted in the country for several months against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The monks in Thailand have been asked not to join anti-government protests that have erupted in the country for several months against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and King Maha Vajiralongkorn. "The Supreme Sangha Council made resolutions to prohibit monks and novices from involvement in politics, including joining protests and expressing political opinions," said a spokesman for the government's National Office of Buddhism, as quoted by news agency Reuters. In Thailand, over 90 per cent of people are Buddhists and religion traditionally plays a big role in the nation's society. Also read | Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha refuses to resign despite protests So far, even though there has not much widespread support from the monks' community, some of them have participated in the demonstrations. Also read | Thailand parliament opens; PM calls for 'illegal protests' to be controlled "I will continue to join the protests to let them know that this is not right and inconsistent with the voices of most monks," said Chistnupong Praiparee, a monk who has taken part in three protests. He also demanded reform of the Supreme Sangha Council other than the other demands made by the protesters. The massive anti-government protests seek the removal of Prayuth, who has helmed the affairs following the controversial elections last year. The protesters are also demanding a new constitution and a reduction in the powers of the monarchy, saying it has led to the control of the army in the political system for decades.

Thailand: Monks asked not to participate in protests

Monks and novices are banned from joining political protests and urgent notifications have been sent to temples advising them that monks could be expelled for participating.

Thailand: Monks prohibited from participating in political protests

Thailand's economy has passed its lowest point and is expected to contract less than previously expected this year due to a recovery in consumption, senior officials said.

Thailand's economy to contract less than expected

Thailand which in currently undergoing political turmoil, demonstrations & rellies have become a daily feature for many months. On Sunday, many young protesters were out on the street yet again in Bangkok demanding change from the monarchy.

Political turmoil in Thailand continues, protesters want dialogue with the King

Joining the wave of youth protesters marching down the streets of Bangkok, drag queen Aunchalee Pokinwuttipob is clad in her battle gear - a face full of makeup, a megaphone and one of her many elaborate outfits - with demands that are loud and clear.

Thai drag queen rides on protest wave to push for LGBT rights

'I'm willling to die for this': Thai drag queen rides on protest wave to push for LGBT rights

Tired of the conventional tools of protest, many young Thais are turning to K-pop to express themselves politically during ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

'We will dance until we get democracy': Thai youth adopt K-pop to protest government

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida held a rare walkabout with thousands of supporters on November 1, 2020.

Thai king and queen meet thousands of supporters | Thai King on anti-govt protests

Thousands of yellow-shirted Thai royalists staged their biggest show of support for the monarchy so far on Sunday (November 1) in the face of months of protests that have called for royal reforms as well as the removal of the government.

Thousands of royalists put on show of force for Thai king

Thai King on protests: Thailand is a land of compromise

A thousand of paper lanterns are released in the sky of Chiang Mai as the full moon brightens the night for the 12th Thai lunar month. The Yi Peng festival that marks the end of the rainy season and the start of winter usually draws large crowds of tourists.

Thailand: A thousand of lanterns brighten the sky for the Yi Peng festival

Many Thai students boycotted the graduation day ceremony lead by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a show of anger at the monarchy amid growing calls to reform it.

Thai students boycott royal graduation day

Thailand’s parliament lost its first transgender MP on Wednesday after her seat was revoked in what critics called a political move against supporters of the kingdom’s pro-democracy movement.

Thailand's first transgender MP dismissed amid government crackdown

Thai online retailer Kanittha has captured a market of thousands by dressing up as a zombie to sell the clothes of dead people in sales streamed live on social media.

Thai zombie clothes seller cashes in on threads of the dead

Student-led protests that began by demanding the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former military ruler

Thailand pro-democracy protesters march to German embassy

Student-led protests that began by demanding the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former military ruler, have also become the biggest challenge in decades to a monarchy

Thai protesters march on German embassy to seek probe of king

Thousands of people protested in the centre of Thailand's capital Bangkok on Sunday (October 25) in the first demonstration since Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ignored their Saturday night deadline to resign.

Drag queens join protest demanding resignation of Thai PM

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Monday said that "illegal protests" need to be brought under control during the opening of the country's special parliamentary session.

The country is currently marred by a series of pro-democracy rallies. In 2014, Prayut had staged a coup. Recently, he has faced pressure from thousands of protesters who have flooded the streets, demanding his resignation and reform in the monarchy.

The protest movement is heralded by students across the country, and are pushing for the constitution to be rewritten. Critics say the current undertones of the constitution are pro-military, enabling the harassment of political opponents.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thailand-protesters-plan-action-after-pm-ignores-deadline-to-quit-337720" hreflang="en">Thailand protesters plan action after PM ignores deadline to quit</a>

"Though the people have the freedom to protest based on the constitution, authorities need to control the illegal protests," Prayut announced.&nbsp;

Prayut had recalled parliament from recess last week.&nbsp; 
"We do not want to see clashes or riots in the country," he added.

The PM also accused protesters of engaging in "inappropriate actions". Prayut also referred to the demands of the protesters in his opening speech. But it was not listed as an agenda in the two-day parliamentary session.

The protesters have imbibed new techniques to get the administration's attention given the situation of COVID-19. They have been flashing their three-finger salutes, which has become symbolic of their movement. In Thailand, the royal family is protected by anti-defamation laws. Criticising the royals is considered taboo.&nbsp;

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The opposition Pheu Thai Party had called for Prayut's resignation, saying it would "solve all problems".

"You've been in power for six-and-a-half years, five years under your coup and one-and-a-half years when you gained benefit from an undemocratic constitution," said Pheu Thai Party secretary Prasert Jantararuangthong.&nbsp;

"I call for General Prayut to resign as premier, which would be a solution to solve all problems," he said.

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Monday said that "illegal protests" need to be brought under control during the opening of the country's special parliamentary session.

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Monday said that "illegal protests" need to be brought under control during the opening of the country's special parliamentary session. The country is currently marred by a series of pro-democracy rallies. In 2014, Prayut had staged a coup. Recently, he has faced pressure from thousands of protesters who have flooded the streets, demanding his resignation and reform in the monarchy. The protest movement is heralded by students across the country, and are pushing for the constitution to be rewritten. Critics say the current undertones of the constitution are pro-military, enabling the harassment of political opponents. Also read: Thailand protesters plan action after PM ignores deadline to quit "Though the people have the freedom to protest based on the constitution, authorities need to control the illegal protests," Prayut announced. Prayut had recalled parliament from recess last week. "We do not want to see clashes or riots in the country," he added. The PM also accused protesters of engaging in "inappropriate actions". Prayut also referred to the demands of the protesters in his opening speech. But it was not listed as an agenda in the two-day parliamentary session. The protesters have imbibed new techniques to get the administration's attention given the situation of COVID-19. They have been flashing their three-finger salutes, which has become symbolic of their movement. In Thailand, the royal family is protected by anti-defamation laws. Criticising the royals is considered taboo. Also read: Thailand's playboy king rushed to hospital after bodyguard's positive COVID test The opposition Pheu Thai Party had called for Prayut's resignation, saying it would "solve all problems". "You've been in power for six-and-a-half years, five years under your coup and one-and-a-half years when you gained benefit from an undemocratic constitution," said Pheu Thai Party secretary Prasert Jantararuangthong. "I call for General Prayut to resign as premier, which would be a solution to solve all problems," he said.

Thailand parliament opens; PM calls for 'illegal protests' to be controlled

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