March 1, 2021: An iconic figure for the anti-establishment movement has warned against staging political protests without leaders, insisting that those wanting changes should “go home, regroup and start over.”.
The warning in exile by Somsak Jeamteerasakul, a former Thammasat academic facing charges under Article 112, came as protesters were engaged in skirmishes with security forces on Sunday evening which left dozens injured on both sides, cementing a perception that street confrontations could now turn violent any time and anywhere.
Protests will now be organised by the Free Youth network which has supposedly taken over street activities from Khana Ratsadon, whose image has ironically suffered from violent incidents of late.
Sunday’s protest in front of the headquarters of the First Infantry Battalion of the First Regiment of the Royal Guards was the first major one since the “takeover”. It was immediately marred by images of security forces using rubber bullets and high-power water sprays, brick-throwing protesters, sounds of mini explosions and scattering crowds.
“To me, holding protests without leaders is not a good idea,” Somsak, who earlier had all but ruled out chances of protesters winning early, wrote on his Facebook. “I think the gathering had better end and everyone should go home, regroup and then start over.”
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