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Protesters have taken to the streets as Thailand's pro-democracy coalition struggles to form a government despite winning nearly three quarters of the vote in the May general election. As Vijitra Duangdee reports from Bangkok, conservative parties are using their constitutional powers to turn the tables back in their favor.]]
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((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Thailand Politics
HEADLINE: Protests Build Amid Thailand’s Political Crisis
TEASER: Two months after its elections, the country still does not have a new prime minister or government
PUBLISHED AT: 08/01/2023 at 8:15am
BYLINE: Vijitra Duangdee
CONTRIBUTOR: Vijitra Duangdee
DATELINE: Bangkok
VIDEOGRAPHER: Black Squirrel Productions
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: MAS, Reifenrath, djones approved
VIDEO SOURCE: Original
PLATFORMS: WEB ____ TV_
TRT: 2:44
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TV/R
EDITOR NOTES:))
[INTRO]]
[[Protesters have taken to the streets as Thailand's pro-democracy coalition struggles to form a government despite winning nearly three quarters of the vote in the May general election. As Vijitra Duangdee reports from Bangkok, conservative parties are using their constitutional powers to turn the tables back in their favor.]]
((NARRATION))
Protesters in Bangkok expressing anger and disappointment at what they say are votes ignored.
Some 14 million Thais voted for the progressive Move Forward Party in general elections in May, three quarters of the total number cast.
But its popular leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was twice denied the job of prime minister in July in joint sessions of the elected House and military-appointed Senate.
[[For radio: Supporters of the Move Forward Party, like Chalocha Ninthummachart, have taken to the streets.]]
((Chalocha Ninthummachart, Move Forward Party Supporter (female, Thai))
“I think we’re going to see more flash mobs across the country, not just in Bangkok. People have woken up now. These protests may affect the economy, but after we hit the rock bottom, I believe we will rise again.”
((NARRATION))
Move Forward put together an eight-party coalition, with 312 out of 500 House seats, but has been blocked from forming a government by the conservative Senate.
Under Pita’s leadership, Move Forward has called for cutting the army out of political power and creating a more fair and democratic society.
Crucially, it also wants to reform the royal defamation law that muzzles criticism of the powerful monarchy — a thick red line for conservatives.
((Mandatory courtesy, Library Footage))
But the pro-democracy coalition Pita forged now hangs by a thread.
A constitutional court suspended Pita from parliament July 19 until a case involving his shares in a media company is decided.
Move Forward has stood aside for Pheu Thai, the party linked to billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thaksin is expected to return to Thailand on August 10 after 15 years in self-exile, a show-stealing move timed with Pheu Thai's bid for power.
That could see either real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin or Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, proposed as premier.
But to succeed, experts say they may need to make uncomfortable alliances outside of the coalition — even with parties linked to the army,
((end library courtesy))
a move many Move Forward supporters like Sirirak Preedametawon say they cannot accept.
((Sirirak Preedametawon, Move Forward Party Supporter (female, Thai))
"There are so many emotions: I am exhausted, angry and want revenge. I’m not sure how long we will have to fight this old power. I am hopeful, but we can’t stop fighting now or we will continue to be oppressed.”
((NARRATION))
Democracy delayed once more, but protesters say this time, it won’t be denied.
((Vijitra Duangdee, for VOA News, Bangkok))
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