[2][3] In 2009, republican professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn published the Red Siam Manifesto while fleeing Thailand, which openly criticized the monarchy and government.
[4] The manifesto served as inspiration for the Red Siam movement, which was founded in 2009 by Chupong Theethuan, a member of the New Aspiration Party, former communist party member Surachai Danwattananusorn, and former minister Jakrapob Penkair.
[8] Following the 2014 Thai military coup, the leaders of Red Siam fled to neighboring countries, including Laos.
[9][10] In March 2024, Jakrapob Penkair, a former minister and leader of Red Siam, returned to Thailand from exile.
[11][12] A vocal advocate for reform of the Thai monarchy, Jakrapob's return was described as a positive sign for democratic renewal in Thailand.