Many activists have been charged with Thailand’s lese majeste law, Section 112 of the criminal code, over the last few months. Some people see the words and behavior—such as seen in a mock fashion show—as violating the law. The Isaan Record examines how a number of these activists fell afoul of the law.
“It’s time for us to see them as a normal man or woman. Straight men or women don’t need to consistently say they are a man or a woman.”A student, LGBT board game co-creator.
Udorn Thani’s democracy fighters are battling over symbols. Three cherished symbols of the state: the royal portrait, the city’s essential patron saint, and a desecrated flag. Protest leaders say time is on their side and they hope to change this former “Capital of Red Shirts to “the Capital of Democracy.” In Part I, the battles over two symbols were over, but the third, over a flag, remains—and a royal visit.
Udorn Thani’s democracy fighters are battling over symbols. Three cherished symbols of the state: the royal portrait, the city’s essential patron saint, and a desecrated flag. Protest leaders say time is on their side and they hope to change this former “Capital of Red Shirts to “the Capital of Democracy.”
“In the past, LGBT people would be afraid of coming out. But nowadays, society is more accepting and everyone is able to express themselves. I personally admire them for being confident and working the best they can. These days, society gives an equal chance to everyone,” said Nok Noi Uraiporn, leader of the Siang Isaan molam troupe.
The geography and history of freedom fighters set Sakon Nakhon off from the rest of Isaan. Though youth protests have been slow to start and lack some of the vigor seen in other Isaan provinces, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, has played an important role in linking the province’s past with the new generation’s protests.
The geography and history of freedom fighters set Sakon Nakhon off from the rest of Isaan. Though youth protests have been slow to start and lack some of the vigor seen in other Isaan provinces, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, has played an important role in linking the province’s past with the new generation’s protests. (See “Part II: Sakon Nakhon’s rediscovered heroes of democracy” tomorrow.)
“I feel molam is very fitting for LGBT because it’s an open space for us.”–said LGBT person ฺ
Sisaket wouldn’t seem a likely place to find the anti-government protesters led largely by a team of LGBTIQ+ activists. It’s a good sign that even smaller provinces in the Northeast can come up with ways to help Thai society learn to deal with diversity.
