It has been an interesting weekend observing the backlash against the words “kuay” (male genitalia) and “ai-hia” (google translates it as “fucker”) used by protest leaders Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Anon Nampa, respectively.
The former was an angry post on social media. The latter was a frustrated chant from the stage during the 24 September 2020 protest outside of parliament house.
The anger and frustration came as the 500 MPs and 250 junta-appointed senators voted 423-255 to postpone the motion for amending the constitution for another month.
Enter “hypocrisy” into google translate
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha frowned in disappointment with the young protestors and said, “I cannot accept the rudeness.” Thailand’s traditionalists gasped, clutched their pearl necklaces, and swooned, expressing concerns that these “rude young people would become the future of this country.”
Hence, the two curse words confirmed what they already know in their hearts, that these young “nation-haters” are no good. The backlash would be understandable if General Prayut and those traditionalists are as pure and innocent as the Virgin Mary the day before the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ.
But the general is the same person who has been ranting and raving at journalists and the opposition for the past six years. The traditionalists are those who applaud the insults of “whore” and “slut” thrown at former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra from the stage of the PDRC (People’s Democratic Reform Committee) prior to the 2014 military coup.
Make logic your best friend
There are no logical arguments against the three core demands of the protestors. First, to stop harassing/persecuting the people. Second, to rewrite the constitution. Third, to dissolve the parliament and hold a fresh election under a fair and just charter.
Hence, they flat out deny any harassment/persecution and insist the 250 junta-appointed senators is democracy. As well, they resort to allegations such as “global evil capitalist conspiracy,” “paid for and manipulated by nation-haters,” and “evil international capitalists and local nation-haters collude to overthrow the Thai kingdom.”
There have been two months of protests and charges ranging from sedition to public cleanliness, including a night in jail for Anon. With official harassment and persecution and in the face of the pro-democracy movement’s most significant setback, they used the words “kuay” and “ai-hia.”
Is it rude and crude? Of course, it is.
But two harsh words are not a reason to prevent democracy.
Gasp, clutch pearl necklace, swoon
The two months of protests have witnessed tens of gatherings in many provinces around the country. There have been countless speakers on stages big and small, all of whom speak of many different concerns, many of whom cuss and curse, and yes, even words which many people consider ill of the institution.
But not even the ten demands to reform the monarchy institution are pushed in parliament, only the three core demands regarding human rights, fairness, and justice. Specifically, hitting delete on the power of the 250 junta-appointed senators. Everything else is sideshows, distractions, and human emotions.
They are pushing the demands through the democratic process by creating public pressure on the parliament to amend the constitution. This is civilized and follows due process of law.
They are not calling for a coup, obstructing an election, forcing an occupation of Ratchaprasong, seizing government buildings, or stalking and blowing whistles at people.
‘Cos, you know, that would be quite rude.
