Thai democracy advocates wary after revolution plaque removed, while junta claims it had no involvement
The plaque went missing on Friday, police said, and was replaced by one celebrating the monarchy
Opponents of Thailand’s military government expressed fears for the future of democracy yesterday after the mysterious removal of a plaque marking a 1932 revolution that ended absolute monarchy.
No group has claimed responsibility, but the disappearance
of the hubcap-sized brass symbol has stirred anger in Thailand, where elections are promised but power is firmly in the hands of the ruling generals and King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The junta said it had no idea who had removed the plaque, which had been embedded in concrete at a square in Bangkok’s leafy historic quarter. It is close to parliament, to a royal throne hall and to an army barracks.
The plaque went missing on Friday, police said, and was replaced by one celebrating the monarchy.
Veerachon Sukhonthapatipark, a government spokesman, said: “Why should we take responsibility? If that is the case should we take responsibility for everything that disappears in this country?”
