Issues and Opposition: The Thailand Monarchy has strict laws against criticism against the royal family. Protestors could be jailed for minor offenses for 10-15 years for more serious offenses up to life in prison. Police forces in Thailand suppress free speech that would allow advocates to voice concerns and advocate for change. The spending of the royal family is often indulgent, most notably on the princess’s fashion career, while many citizens face poverty or financial burdens, especially after COVID-19 onward.
Dilemma Action: In response to the Monarchy’s increasing wealth while the people suffered during COVID-19, The Free Youth Group began a campaign of tongue-in-cheek protests. A mock fashion show in October 2020 shadowed the types of fashion shows typically put on by the princess that the royal family tends to pour extreme funding into. Participants showed up in outfits similar to the royal family, Halloween costumes, and drag to walk an inclusive red carpet called the “People’s Runway.” During the same time Princess Sirivannavari was holding an extravagant fashion show across town. Hidden symbols, such as the three-finger salute, were used to signal to other protestors in secret and gain traction and momentum for the fashion show protest.
Outcome: Multiple protestors, some children, were arrested for their participation. There was national and international outrage over the harsh jail sentences and treatment of protesters for simply having a harmless fashion show. When the royal family pointed to outfits that mimicked their styles, protesters assured the styles were not in mockery of the royal family, but were typical styles found in Thailand and many had traditional origins the wearers wanted to showcase in their fashion show. Backlash on social media and from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International helped fuel a series of similar costume protests against the Monarchy.