Finding the "missing common ground" is a significant challenge that the October 14, 2020 protest must address; otherwise, it may continue to face a decline in solidarity.

Even after more than 40 years since the events of October 6, 1976 and the October 14, 1973 protests, it cannot be denied that the "October Symbol" continues to be a topic and condition for mobilizing the masses and political gatherings in almost every era.

This is similar to the Student Union of Thammasat University and the Free Youth Group, as well as other groups that regard the events of "The Great Catastrophe" as a focal point for major gatherings at the Democracy Monument on October 14.

The latest stance from "Anan Numpa" , a leader of the Student Union of Thammasat University and the protest, still employs tactics such as "grand surprises" to rally supporters, confident that this "escalation" of the struggle will lead to the resignation of the government, including "Big Tu" General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

We must watch what the "grand surprise" he mentioned, which he claims will be bigger than before, will entail.

However, this protest, which follows the gathering on September 19, is viewed as a "misstep" rather than a "step forward", as it continues to face difficulties, including a lack of recognized leadership that can unify the masses.

As time goes on, the image of the protest shows only groups of red shirts and Thammasat students, but lacks the networks that previously declared their participation, such as Chulalongkorn University and Ramkhamhaeng University networks, as well as others.

This has led to the perception that the protest on September 19 was no different from a staged protest.

Even Anan himself previously stated that

"The gathering on October 14 might not have many artists willing to take the stage; our stage may not be very large, and the organization could be quite chaotic. There may only be speeches, and entertainment might be reduced or even absent."

Will we still come together to change society, or will we give up and let the country follow its fate as they desire?"

This statement can be seen as a technique to mobilize the masses to join the struggle in large numbers.

On the other hand, it may also signal an acknowledgment that the current coalition has diminished.

Another clear image is the lack of common issues in the struggle and the grand proposals made from the outset, which may cause the coalition to begin to "distance themselves", especially the Pheu Thai Party, which has shown signs of separating from the protest since the takeover by "Lady Aor", Khunying Pojaman Damapong, the wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to eliminate accusations regarding the "funding source" from abroad, as well as distancing from the extreme proposals of "over the top" and focusing on amending the constitution to pave the way for restructuring the electoral system, which is seen as a "poisonous fruit" that has made the party's list system a significant issue.

On the government side, which holds 250 votes, it seems to understand this game well, as seen from the news that "Big Tu" has convened a meeting with government leaders, party heads, and coalition party leaders to push for voting only on government and opposition motions (Pheu Thai) regarding the amendment of Section 256 to allow for the establishment of a constitutional drafting assembly.

However, they do not agree with the "turning off the switch", which is the foundation supporting the government's throne, and will not touch the amendments to Chapters 1 and 2 of the constitution, as Pheu Thai had previously done with the Move Forward Party.

This issue may become another "special deal" that has been discussed recently.

Meanwhile, the "Move Forward Party"" and the "Progressive Movement"" have declared themselves as part of the student protest, but have not played a leading role, merely being a background supporter, especially regarding the constitutional amendment, which the Move Forward Party knows well that establishing a constitutional drafting assembly will affect the restructuring of the electoral system, which benefits the party significantly.

It is not surprising that recently, the Move Forward Party has aligned itself with the protest, emphasizing the "turning off the switch" as a key issue.

The upcoming protest on October 14 is indeed significant as it draws from the events of "The Great Catastrophe" to mobilize the protest, which will have implications for political symbolism.

However, we must not forget that the events back then had a clear common ground: the reduction of military power and the amendment of the constitution to be democratic, leading to the "13 Constitutional Revolts".

The result of that event led to the resignation of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, the drafting of a new constitution, and the establishment of a constitutional assembly composed of various citizens, marking an era where democracy flourished and was the first successful attempt in the 20th century.

Therefore, the upcoming gathering in the next few days is a significant challenge for the protest to consider in order to learn lessons and find the "missing common ground"; otherwise, it may continue to face a decline in solidarity.

SOURCE : www.bangkokbiznews.com