Recognise the right to protest peacefully

The white-mask movement has grown rapidly, in a way that seems to be worrying for the government and its supporters, although they deny being concerned. In less than a month, the number of people taking part in the movement’s Sunday gatherings has grown from a few hundred to many thousands. And the number of provinces where the gatherings are held increased to 38 in the latest nationwide anti-government demonstration last weekend.
By wearing masks, people can protest anonymously. Thus the number of demonstrators – many of them from the middle class – has increased in Bangkok as well as in the provinces. Despite an unexpected ban by CentralWorld last Sunday, thousands of anti-government demonstrators wearing white masks continued to gather outside the shopping complex.
Government politicians and supporters have made veiled threats against the white-mask movement. There have been attempts to discredit the movement, with allegations that the protesters are hired or mobilised by the opposition in an attempt to overthrow the government. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung warned of possible attacks, perhaps a bomb explosion, against the protesters. Although he denied making any threat, his warning could be seen as bordering on intimidation. Former premier Somchai Wongsawat, another leading figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, said protest with the aim of overthrowing the government was a crime punishable by death. Chiang Mai Governor Thanin Supasaen, speaking after a group of white-mask demonstrators rallied outside his official residence, said the protesters could face legal action for causing fear. But there was no warning of legal action against red-shirt supporters of the government who violently disrupted a recent white-mask protest in the northern city.
Whoever the white-mask protesters are – supporters of the opposition Democrat Party, government critics or simply people upset at the government’s performance – they are citizens of this country who have the right to criticise the government and protest publicly, as long as they do so within legal limits.
No threats or intimidation – whether implied or obvious – should be made against those who take part in peaceful, unarmed street protests. It is not only government supporters who are entitled to the constitutional liberty to gather in public and express their views. And neither is it illegal to disagree with the government of a democratic country.
There should be no double standards. Anti-government protesters are entitled to safety and police protection in the same way red-shirt supporters are protected at their pro-government rallies.
A democratically elected government is supposed to run the country for the benefit of all groups of people, including those who do not support it. This government needs to work harder to convince critics that it also cares for other groups of people, in addition to its supporters.
To belittle, threaten or attack the white-mask protesters will only anger many more people who agree with their cause. And if any more violence is perpetrated against white-mask demonstrators (in the same way the yellow shirts were attacked by grenades during their protests), public discontent is likely to grow.
With the government in power for almost two years, there have been signs of growing frustration among the public. The results of four separate opinion surveys released last Saturday show growing discontent towards the government. Three of the polls found that the public is unhappy with the decision to lower the rice-pledging price. And one survey found that more respondents believed the previous Democrat-led government performed better than the current Pheu Thai administration.
A good government recognises its errors and rectifies flaws in its policies, rather than trying to discredit or silence its critics. What the government should do is respond to what has caused public frustration and disappointment.
The government must take a long look in the mirror and consider honestly what needs to be corrected, improved or even scrapped. This may prove difficult, since it has to be done without bias and with sincere goodwill towards all the people of this country.