Short-term 'fear factor' a gamble that can't lastWhat does the pro-monarchy camp gain by applying the controversial lese majeste law with full force? Leaderless, the anti-government protest which saw ten of thousands of demonstrators at its peak has dwindled. In the course of four months since the PM made a U-turn to reapply the lese majeste law, what was once unthinkable has become plain to see, and not just on social media. If heavy-handed tactics and the lese majeste law have only brought a once hidden anti-monarchy agenda into the mainstream, how much force will it take to contain in future? The fear factor may seem satisfactory to the powers-that-be right now but they constitute a major gamble considering the resources they have in store at the moment and what the future holds.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2021 22:52 UTC