A rap song - a problem for Thai military junta

Anti-military rap song 'Prathet Ku Mee' ('What My Country’s Got') has become an unprecedented phenomenon in Thailand, racking up over 21 million views in just seven days and directly challenging the military government (YouTube video).

The song, performed by a group called Rap Against Dictatorship, has emerged as an unlikely opponent to the military government’s determination to maintain absolute control.

Even Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seemed to respond to the allegations in the song on Monday presenting himself as a benevolent leader rather than a military dictator. “Is life really that hard? Is it that oppressive? Am I so dictatorial?,” he said. “Don’t let anyone distort the facts.”

“This song could lead to the opening of the floodgates of popular dissent,” said said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University. “It absolutely spells trouble for the military.” Guardian...