"Like the 1987 Korean Democratic Uprising" Thai Anti-Government Protesters Appeal for Support... 2PM's Nichkhun Also Criticizes "No Violence"

[Image source = Twitter capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Anti-government protesters in Thailand have posted appeals on social media in various languages including Korean, seeking support from around the world. Nichkhun, a Thai member of the group 2PM, also expressed his support by posting a message on his Twitter criticizing the government's violent crackdown.

Their appeal states, "Just like the democratic uprising in Korea in 1987, the democratization movement has restarted in Thailand in 2020."

The protesters said, "The Thai people are currently fighting against the military dictatorship," and appealed, "We earnestly ask for the support of global citizens so that our cries can be heard more widely."

They continued, "Since the coup d'?tat on May 22, 2014, Thai people have lived under the oppression of military dictatorship," and asserted, "We Thai citizens will no longer endure the cruel dictatorship that runs unchecked."

Nichkhun, a Thai celebrity and member of the group 2PM, also drew attention by leaving a message seemingly criticizing the government’s strong response to the protesters.

He wrote on his Twitter, "The use of violence cannot be ignored," and added, "Violence does not help anyone. I hope everyone stays safe and well."

Meanwhile, in Thailand, democratization protests demanding political reform and monarchy reform have been ongoing for months, mainly led by young people. On the 14th, when tens of thousands gathered in a protest in Bangkok, the Thai government issued an emergency order banning gatherings of more than five people and arrested about 20 participants from the protest on the 14th.

According to foreign media, on the 16th, the Thai government used water cannons to forcibly disperse protesters, and on the 17th, took tough measures such as suspending public transportation including urban rail and buses in Bangkok and blocking expected protest areas.

However, the protest organizers continue to raise awareness and seek support worldwide by using the hashtag '#WhatIsHappeningInThailand' on social media.