The junta has a fight on its hands
Thailand's dictator and his nasty little junta couldn't believe their ears at dawn this morning, when the newly formed Organisation of Free Thais for Human Rights and democracy launched a blistering statement, effectively pulling the rug from under the general's feet.
Prayuth Chan-ocha's destiny was to be Thailand's next "beloved leader". All the (army controlled) polls confirmed Prayuth was the most popular man in Thailand (even Bhumibol was struggling). Then suddenly, it all goes pear shaped and the general stops smiling.
The long-awaited backlash to the army coup hit Bangkok like a political tsunami, even the heavily censored press couldn't hide the truth. By now there can't be many Thais who don't know about the existence of the FreeThai resistance movement. That's bad news for the junta.
Their recent attempts to scare Thais into accepting dictatorship with politically motivated arrests, beatings and witch hunts, has failed. When prayuth first heard of an organised FreeThai resistance, his singing voice probably cracked with emotion, or rage, as Jakrapob Penkair declared his regime "illegitimate" and "criminal".
Sure, the junta will try to minimize the impact of this event, but the propaganda war has turned against the army generals in Bangkok. Prayuth has been unable to silence the anti-coup movement entirely, and the counter attack is now on.
turning point
Never before have Thai people shown such determination to save their democracy. Even the army can't believe it. They thought they were a "respected" institution whose opinions mattered. Well now they know better.
The turning point will be the decision taken by the Palace. Bhumibol is not one to stick his neck out, he'll wait silently to see who wins before openly backing the winners. That's how it's always been.
Penkair promised a historic decision this month, and we sure got it. Gentlemen! The junta has a fight on its hands. From today it will be far more difficult for Prayuth to control the minds and hearts of Thai people with his silly propaganda. Thai people now have hope and look so happy.