Democracy advocates unite against coups | Thai news

Thairath•Politics•248d ago

Reader Briefing

Representatives from three Thai political parties strongly emphasized their commitment to democracy and vowed to prevent future military coups, advocating for constitutional reform and public understanding of democratic costs.

•Representatives from Pheu Thai, People's Party, and Bhumjaithai parties participated in a debate on Thai democracy and the necessity of preventing coups.
•Speakers highlighted the historical cycle of coups and constitutional changes in Thailand, stressing public rejection of military takeovers.
•The discussion also touched upon the independence of state institutions and the need for constitutional amendments to ensure legitimacy and protect democracy.

Overview

•On Jan 30, 2026, a debate on Thai democracy was held by Thai Rath.
•Paophum Rojanasakul stated that the Pheu Thai Party has consistently opposed coups, viewing them as destructive to democracy.
•The debate covered Thailand's history of 12 coups and 20 constitutions since 2475 B.E. (1932 A.D.).
•Siri-pong Angkasakulkiat emphasized that to achieve high-income status, Thailand must uphold democratic principles.
•Weera-yuth Kanjuchat asserted that the 2017 constitution, born from a coup, requires amendment to reflect the people's will.
•Paophum Rojanasakul noted that public awareness has grown, leading to widespread rejection of coups.
•Siri-pong Angkasakulkiat advised preventing conditions that could lead to coups, advocating for proactive measures.
•The discussion highlighted the need for the public to understand the comprehensive costs of coups, including economic consequences.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Quotes

Paophum Rojanasakul

"The Pheu Thai Party has always fought against coups; it is something that should not happen."

พรรคเพื่อไทยต่อสู้กับการรัฐประหารมาตลอด เป็นสิ่งที่ไม่ควรเกิด

Siri-pong Angkasakulkiat

"If Thailand is to reach high income, it must adhere to the principle of democracy."

ถ้าไทยจะไปสู่รายได้สูง ต้องยึดหลักประชาธิปไตย

Weera-yuth Kanjuchat

"We are ready to stand and fight, protecting the democratic system."

เราพร้อมยืนหยัดสู้ ปกป้องระบอบประชาธิปไตย

Paophum Rojanasakul

"The process and public awareness today do not accept coups happening again."

กระบวนการและความรับรู้ของประชาชนในทุกวันนี้ ไม่ยอมรับการรัฐประหารเกิดขึ้นอีกแล้ว

Siri-pong Angkasakulkiat

"We must reject all coups; I think the best is to prevent them."

เราต้องปฏิเสธทุกการรัฐประหาร เราคิดว่าดีที่สุดคือป้องกัน

Weera-yuth Kanjuchat

"The 2017 constitution, originating from a coup regime, must be amended to be derived from the people."

รัฐธรรมนูญ 2560 ที่มาจากระบอบรัฐประหาร ต้องแก้ให้เป็นที่มาของประชาชน

Key Entities

Person

Paophum Rojanasakul(เผ่าภูมิ โรจนสกุล)

Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party who spoke about the party's continuous fight against coups and the public's growing intolerance for them.

Siri-pong Angkasakulkiat(สิริพงศ์ อังคสกุลเกียรติ)

Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party who advocated for upholding democracy as crucial for Thailand's high-income aspirations and emphasized preventing conditions for coups.

Weera-yuth Kanjuchat(วีระยุทธ กาญจน์ชูฉัตร)

Prime Ministerial Candidate for the People's Party who stressed the need to fight for democracy and amend the 2017 constitution, which originated from a coup.

Organization

Pheu Thai Party(พรรคเพื่อไทย)ℹ️

A political party represented by Paophum Rojanasakul, which has consistently fought against military coups.

People's Party(พรรคประชาชน)

A political party represented by Weera-yuth Kanjuchat, which advocates for defending democracy and reforming the constitution.

Bhumjaithai Party(พรรคภูมิใจไทย)ℹ️

A political party represented by Siri-pong Angkasakulkiat, which supports democratic principles and preventing coups.

Thai Rath(ไทยรัฐ)ℹ️

The media organization that hosted the debate on democracy and coups.

Place

Thai Rath TV Channel 32(ไทยรัฐทีวี ช่อง 32)

The television channel where the debate was broadcast.

Thai Rath Online(ไทยรัฐออนไลน์)

The online platform where the debate was broadcast.

Law

Democracy(ประชาธิปไตย)ℹ️

The political system and principles that the speakers advocate for and aim to protect.

Constitution of 2017(รัฐธรรมนูญ 2560)ℹ️

The current constitution of Thailand, which originated from a coup and is considered by speakers to need amendment.