Their slogan is : `` Reform before elections . '' They lock down the latest stage in a divisive political process that has swept Thailand . The protesters insist they are not opposed to democracy but want wide - ranging reform . They are drawn from wealthier residents of Bangkok and Thais from the north of the country . They argue poorer farmers , particularly in rural northeast , are uneducated , selling land to highest bidder .
They lock down the latest stage in a divisive political process that has swept Thailand . The protesters insist they are not opposed to democracy but want wide - ranging reform . They are drawn from wealthier residents of Bangkok and Thais from the north of the country . They argue poorer farmers , particularly in rural northeast , are uneducated , selling land to highest bidder .