Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

In Uganda, the government is brutally crushing protests in the run-up to elections in January.

We speak to the wildly popular singer and opposition leader Bobby Wine, who is sure against the odds that his movement, people power, can power change.

And in America, it's Thanksgiving Day.

And although the pandemic has upended plans for many,

one Thanksgiving staple is still likely to feature, the Turkey.

We look back on the big birds' globe-spanning history

and how I got that name.

But first, protests escalated in Thailand this week, where calls to reform the monarchy are getting

louder.

This morning, police blocked rush hour traffic to stop demonstrators, they said, from breaking the law.

This isn't the first time this year there have been protests against King Mahavajira Longcorn,

who took the throne four years ago.

He's one of the richest royals in the world, and a playboy.

He's churned through four wives and spends the majority of his time living in a German

hotel amid lots of women.

In the past few years, he's taken steps to consolidate power, leading mostly younger student

campaigners to demand the monarchy become more accountable and transparent.

Yet, even suggesting these reforms comes with a hefty price. Thailand has one of the strictest les majest laws in the world.

Criticizing the royal family is punishable by up to 15 years in jail.

Yet, it's a law that people are increasingly willing to break.

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