🎙 Can the coalition government’s MoU really “restore democracy” in Thailand?

On May 22, 2023, or the 9th anniversary of the 2014 military coup, members of the coalition government agreed to join hands by signing a historic MoU. It covers several pivotal issues raised by the pro-democracy movement, including the drafting of a new constitution, marriage equality, military reform, and many more. But are they comprehensive enough?

Earlier this week, we asked youth activists from five groups and one MP during our Twitter Spaces event what they think of the MoU: Are they hopeful it will get Thailand’s democracy back on track? Does this MoU reflect the changes they have been fighting for? If not, what priorities would they like to see?

Slide to hear from Get and Pim from Mokeluang Rimnam, Butae from Young Pride Club, Baipor from Thaluwang, a representative from Coalition of Innovators for Thai Youth, representatives from The United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, and MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat from the Move Forward Party.

#WeAreManushyan ∞ Equal Human Beings

Manushya Foundation stands in solidarity with all pro-democracy activists and protesters, and is committed to advancing human rights, equality, and justice.

This Twitter Spaces is the first online talk under the ‘Youth Power Democracy’ project aimed at reinforcing the power of youth activists who are the driving force of democracy in Thailand. We believe that youth’s voices are central to combatting dictatorship in Thailand. Stay tuned for more exciting activities in the future!

While you’re here…

Read more about Thailand’s general elections and our work to support democracy, combating dictatorship, fighting for corporate accountability and climate justice, and powering women leaders, creating a safer, inclusive space online and offline for everyone:

1. Senators Must Follow the Votes of Thai People!, May 19, 2023

2. Democracy is Back, May 15, 2023

3. Manushya’s Exclusive Interview with Piputpong "Butae" Sriwichai from Young Pride Club, May 12, 2023

4. Manushya’s Exclusive Interview with Kanyakorn “Jib” Suntornprug from United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, May 11, 2023

5. Manushya’s Exclusive Interview with Sophon “Get” Suraritthamrong from Mokeluang Rimnam activist group, May 8, 2023

6. Manushya’s Exclusive Interview with Netiporn "Bung" Sanesangkhom from Thaluwang group, May 3, 2023

7. What's the most significant festival of democracy? #ThailandElection2023, April 10, 2023

8. #StopDigitalDictatorship Campaign in Southeast Asia to fight against rising digital dictatorship in the region.

9. #JusticeForPhichit Campaign: We support villagers in Phichit and Phetchabun who have been severely affected by the operations of a gold mining company.

10. #SaveSabWaiVillagers Campaign: We seek justice for the Sab Wai villagers who are victims of Thailand’s false climate solution criminalizing guardians of the forest.

11. We Power Feminist Leaders by applying a gender lens to our work to ensure that women human rights defenders have a seat at the table and lead the way towards a more just and equitable world.

12. We Resource Human Rights Defenders, providing subgrants to marginalized communities impacted by unfair policies and harmful business conduct, and reinforcing their power to defend their rights and create positive change.

#ThailandElection2023 #เลือกตั้ง66 #WhatsHappeningInThailand #Abolish112 #MonarchyReform #WealthInequality #StopDigitalDictatorship #ยกเลิก112 #ปฏิรูปสถาบันกษัตริย์ #ปฏิรูปไม่เท่ากับล้มล่าง #SaveThaiDemocracy #DemocracyNow #MilkTeaAlliance #พรบคอม