Bangkok: The 75th Thammasat-Chulalongkorn Traditional Football Match resumed this year after a 5-year hiatus, with the event taking a turn toward political satire. The match, hosted by Thammasat University, aimed to inspire unity and competitive spirit between Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University.
According to Thai News Agency, the opening ceremony featured a parade from both universities, beginning with a marching band and a procession honoring His Majesty the King. The parade included a royal palanquin, Dharmachakra, university banners, and batons. The Chulalongkorn University Color Guards drew attention with flags displaying images of famous alumni such as Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Nualphan Lamsam, known as Madam Pang. Notably absent were images of Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Opposition Leader Nattaphong Ruangpanyawut.
This year, the social reflection procession addressed the Marriage Equality Act, enacted on January 23, the PM2.5 dust issue, and critiqued the government's digital wallet handout policy. Signs proclaimed, 'Villagers are happy to receive 10,000 baht. Sweet dreams of making a living and paying off debts. Digital technology is safe and secure. Happiness is delivered directly to the people,' and 'Welcome to Taiguo Province.'
The political satire parade, a highlight of the event, was divided into three segments. The 'Legal puppets' concept featured a replica of the constitution surrounded by yellow tape. This segment critiqued politicians for not listening to public demands for constitutional amendments, despite campaign promises. A sign read, 'Tearing it up, tearing it up to find your father? If you want to fix it, do it in a big way. Fix this category, leave that category out. Keep stirring it up. When will you fix it? Tell me.'
The 'Executive puppet' concept showcased a cross-pole marriage puppet resembling Thaksin Shinawatra and Pita Limjaroenrat, mocking the alliance between the Pheu Thai Party and the Prachachon Party. A sign stated, 'Come, the wedding procession. Pheu Thai asks to leave and join hands again. The people let go and abandon them. The sovereignty is a widow, without ideology.'
The 'Judicial puppet' segment, inspired by a famous series, depicted reflections on the justice process and political parties with signs like, 'Kokowa, the judge we want, has been manipulated and imprisoned to tarnish the image. The people expect to look up to him. Who owns the power of justice?'
The event also drew attention at 3:20 p.m. when Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra arrived to watch the match.