Schools Closed By Protest, Students Say 'Respect My Future'

At Banglampoo Circle in Bangkok′s Phra Nakhorn district last night, groups of students gathered to demand for peace under the campaign “Respect My Future”, after many schools were closed thanks to the protest led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

 

The vigil was attended by students from various schools and colleges in Bangkok such as Bavorn Niwet School, Wat Rajabopit School, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Thammasat University. 

 

A number of local residents also joined the event. 

 

Some students wrote on white boards expressing their frustration with the ongoing political crisis, while others piled up their textbooks on the ground to symbolise their inability to attend classes. Many more chose to simply read their books under the candle light.

 

The group then lit up candles together, as a symbol for peace, and shouted for the election on 2 February to go ahead.

 

Mr. Jinnawat Wongprakhong, the 17 year old President of the Benjamabopit Student Union, stated that the students from his school have been affected by the protest for nearly 3 months.

 

The Student representative complained that their daily life has been changed, citing that they have to finish school at 18.00 and attend extra classes every weekend.

 

"The protesters have the right to protest, but they must understand that students do have the right to study as well", said Mr. Jinnawat, explaining that  many schools have been ordered to temporarily close after the anti-government protest broke out in November.

 

The teenager asked every party to respect the rights of the public, for the sake of peaceful country.

 

At Tha Prachan Campus, Thammasat University, a group of academics and student also joined a seminar under the topic of “Changing Thailand”. The group later lit up candles to demand for peace and an election on 2 February.