The roots of the current discontentment go back to the 2014 coup which brought Mr. Prayuth and the junta to power. Junta is a government, especially a military one, that has taken power in a country by force and not by election. Also read | Showdown in Thailand: On student protestsIn February, 2020, the top court’s decision to dissolve the pro-democracy Future Forward Party triggered instant demonstrations. Criticism of the monarchy can be punished by prison terms up to 15 years in Thailand. With the students refusing to stand down, Thailand could be descending to another showdown.

Source: The Hindu October 19, 2020 14:26 UTC