Protests have broken out with Thai citizens demanding more protection of rights and accountability in government. There is a difference in this developing movement. The monarchy appears to getting criticism and constitutional reform may be an objective. The military and monarchy have long been the stable force in Thai government. The structure by nature has been repressive cracking down on press freedom and basic human rights. Since the military coup in 2014, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been leading Thailand with little to show in terms of reform. The protests he states are endangering the security of the nation. The demand for constitutional reform will not go away as long as the youth remain dissatisfied. The alliance between the military and monarchy has been a hinderance to the political participation of the average Thai. Calls are growing for a general strike. Thailand has had coups before and mass political unrest. Prime Minister Chan-ocha may not be defeated so easily as long as the military supports him. He has pledged his loyalty to the monarchy and so far that collaboration has not been broken. Student groups have become more politically active organizing reform rallies. The demands include ending military influence in politics, a new constitution, ending royal offices, and dismantling the royal guards.
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