Thai citizen living in Hong Kong supports pro-democracy demonstrations from afar

Mass, student-led demonstrations began in Thailand in February 2020 after the military government disbanded a pro-democracy party which was popular among younger people in the country. Soon after the dissolution, protesters started to take over campuses and streets around Thailand, demanding political reforms of the government, the constitution and the monarchy. Achareeya Parkmaruk, also known as “Tong”, is a 39-year-old Thai citizen who moved to Hong Kong in 2014 and now works in the city as an architect. Encouraged by Hong Kong’s 2019 anti-government protests, she spoke out in support of activists back home in Thailand during an October 2020 Halloween parade in Hong Kong. But Tong is also anxiously watching tension building in Thailand, and hopes the two sides can engage in dialogue soon to resolve the crisis.