Bangkok: Thai political activist Sondhi Limthongkul announced on Monday a new protest movement aimed at "reclaiming Thailand," setting the group's first demonstration for Sept. 10 outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, Sondhi, speaking alongside former leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the Student and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR), emphasized that the movement does not aim to overthrow the government. Rather, it seeks to compel the administration to prioritize public interest over political factionalism.
Sondhi criticized the government for losing its legitimacy, citing alleged corruption in local recruitment exams, Senate election irregularities, and controversial civil service transfers at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). He also pointed to unresolved land ownership disputes at Khao Kradong and alleged improper foreign business ownership in the country as areas of concern.
The organizers of the movement have stated that they will avoid prolonged, overnight encampments and plan to operate without traditional political color-coding. The Sept. 10 gathering will feature the submission of a letter at the Israeli Embassy. Sondhi encouraged citizens dissatisfied with the current administration to join the protest, dismissing critics who doubt the movement's potential impact.