Holiday Ayo - 

The wave of large-scale demonstrations in Indonesia has drawn international attention, with similar unrest now unfolding in other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, both grappling with political and social turmoil fueled by domestic crises.

In Indonesia, mass protests were triggered by public outrage over the high salaries and benefits enjoyed by members of parliament (DPR) amid worsening economic conditions. Tensions escalated further after a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed when struck by a Brimob tactical vehicle during clashes near the DPR complex.

In Thailand, the Constitutional Court ruled to dismiss Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, a decision that not only removed her from power but also dissolved the entire cabinet, plunging the nation into political crisis. Meanwhile, the Philippines has been rocked by a corruption scandal involving a multibillion-peso flood control project, which resurfaced just as the country was struck by devastating floods caused by extreme weather.

Social media reactions reflected widespread alarm across the region. One user wrote, “This is insane—what is happening in Southeast Asia? Indonesia is in chaos, Thailand’s court ousted its prime minister, and the Philippines is engulfed in scandal over billions in failed infrastructure projects, all while large parts of the country are underwater.”

Another netizen drew stark comparisons between the three nations: “Indonesia: lawmakers enjoy housing allowances worth 10 times the minimum wage, while a Gojek courier dies under a police vehicle during protests. Thailand: PM and cabinet sacked for ethics violations. Philippines: dubious flood projects, nepotism. Wow—SEA Games of corruption.”