Social Movement in Thailand

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Social Movement in Thailand
Social movements advocate for social justice by pressuring governments through multiple protests. These movements exist in many democratic countries around the world. They are a key component of a complete and inclusive society due to their potential to shape a country's political and social space. Thailand is, most obviously, a rapidly developing country where political and social justice struggles occur. Since around 1990, the country has witnessed protests and demonstrations by various social groups whose purpose is to improve democracy (Phongpaichit 1). In most cases, participants have organized a movement to demand their rights. An example of such a movement is the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) or the Yellow Shirts. This renowned Thai social movement focuses on establishing a working democracy for all citizens.
Founded in 2005, PAD was originally a coalition of protestors against Thaksin Shinawatra’s government (Kitirianglarp and Hewison 451). It demanded the resignation of Shinawatra and two other prime ministers whom they accused of anti-monarchy. Together with other social movements, PAD sought to shrink the democratic space by calling for a 2006 military coup to overthrow Shinawatra’s interim government (Sinpeng 149). The group claimed that most electorates were too stupid and illiterate to deserve the right to vote. According to the movement, the electorates’ lack of education and information allowed corrupt governments to buy votes by offering pre-election manifestos (Kitirianglarp and Hewison 452). When elected, the corrupt politicians damaged good policies like universal healthcare and village business funds. These individuals were more concerned with self-interest than the public interest. PAD believed they lacked the minimum values and skills to run the Thai government.
In 2008, political tensions remained high after Samak Sundaravej became the prime minister (Jarenpanit 157). The yellow shirts began staging mass demonstrations against the prime minister, citing corruption and accusing him of being a stand-in for the Ousted Shinawatra. The movement’s protests lead to the successful removal of the prime minister and his entire cabinet by order of a special Constitutional Court (Jarenpanit 157). The Thai parliament then elected Shinawatra’s brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, as the new prime minister. PAD did not welcome this selection, prompting them to mobilize thousands of its demonstrators. The army called for new elections and parliament dissolution in response to the unrest, but the prime minister rejected the request (Sinpeng 154). Like his predecessor, Somchai was removed from office by the Constitutional court.
The removal of Thai’s prime ministers for corruption and anti-monarchy showed PAD’s compassion to establish de...