Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan has announced plans for a large-scale protest next month to oppose several government initiatives. He claims these initiatives, including increased foreign ownership in condominiums and extended land leases, will primarily benefit the country’s elite and harm ordinary citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Jatuporn Prompan is organizing a protest against government initiatives.
- The protest targets increased foreign ownership in condominiums and extended land leases.
- Jatuporn accuses the government of having a secret agenda to benefit the elite.
- Other controversial projects include a digital wallet scheme and a casino complex development.
Opposition to Foreign Ownership and Land Leases
In a Facebook post, Jatuporn urged the public to stop being "political victims" and to protest against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s initiatives. He accused the government of hiding a secret agenda that would benefit specific groups in their efforts to accumulate funds for the next election.
"The prime minister was a real estate developer," Jatuporn said. "If his plans get implemented without any opposition, Thailand will lose its independence because condominiums in Thailand could be entirely owned by foreigners—75% through legal ownership and 25% through nominees."
He added that extending the maximum land lease terms from 30 years to 99 years would effectively enable foreigners "to establish colonies" in Thailand. According to Jatuporn, the foreign condominium ownership scheme is worth 4 trillion baht.
Other Controversial Projects
Jatuporn also highlighted other government projects requiring massive investments, including:
- Digital Wallet Scheme: A one-time 10,000-baht cash bonus for eligible citizens, with a potential budget discrepancy of up to 400 billion baht.
- Southern Land Bridge Megaproject: A large-scale infrastructure project aimed at boosting economic connectivity.
- Casino Complex Development: A proposed development that has raised ethical and economic concerns.
Political Reactions
Thai Sang Thai Party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan also voiced her opposition to the proposed changes in condominium ownership quotas and land lease terms. She emphasized that the government should focus on helping Thai citizens.
"People are losing their homes," she said. "This is an urgent matter that the government must address immediately."
The upcoming protest is expected to draw significant attention and could potentially impact the government’s ability to implement these controversial initiatives.
Sources
- Bangkok Post – Jatuporn calls for protest next month, Bangkok Post.
