Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities students held their 72nd football match with traditional satire parades under the theme “Our Rise” – a message calling on people to fight against injustice in society, including corruption, authoritarian rule and the widening income gap. Ruangkrai leekijwattana, from Pheu Thai’s lawyer team, called on the government to take legal action against those involved in the parades, saying their activities may have violated the political gathering ban. Phumtham offered a public apology over the statement, saying Ruangkrai’s opinion was a personal one that contradicted to the party’s ideology. Phumtham said the parades reflected the students’ views about the country, and they should be supported as an example so citizens will be more aware of political issues and learn how to exercise their rights and freedom. Any attempts to interfere in the students’ affairs, as reported in the news, violated their rights and freedom, Phumtham said.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 05, 2018 07:38 UTC