Inside Story

Are the latest protests in Thailand a game changer?

Demonstrators have criticised the monarchy, a subject that was previously off-limits.

Thailand’s king is facing his biggest challenge since ascending to the throne four years ago.

Pro-democracy protesters are demanding curbs on his powers and are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army general.

They accuse King Maha Vajiralongkorn of moving beyond his role of a constitutional monarch and oppose his move to take personal control of tens of billions of dollars in crown assets.

The protests have targeted the monarchy in ways that are unprecedented in Thailand, where broadly-worded laws threaten anyone who criticises the royal family with up to 15 years in prison.

So, is this the beginning of a new era for Thailand and its royal family?

Presenter: Imran Khan

Guests: 

Nutta Mahattana – a pro-democracy activist and leader of the We Vote movement

Pavin Chachavalpongpun – associate professor at Kyoto University

Jade Donavanik – chairman at Faculty of Law, College of Asian Scholars