The hashtag #ไม่เอาควายแดง (#NoRedBuffalo) was trending on social media on Tuesday as Thai netizens worried about yet another coup d’état. This news came after the backlash against Deputy Agricultural Minister Thamanat Prompow and his alleged association with an individual who was said to be hoarding 200 million facemasks for profit and export.

With the country up in arms against the government, Thai สลิ่ม (salim, a slang term for conservative Thais who are pro-establishment and supported the previous military dictatorship) have taken to social media to chastise democracy and long for the days of totalitarian rule.

Thais have taken to Twitter to express their concerns about the potential of another coup directed under the new military commander, Apirat Kongsompong whose nickname is Daeng (red) — hence, the hashtag #ไม่เอาควายแดง (#NoRedBuffalo).

The hashtag may have caused some initial confusion as Thailand has long associated the colour red with the Red Shirt Movement and Thaksin Shinawatra.

Demands for Prayut’s government to step down have grown exponentially over the past couple of weeks as the government has failed to take the necessary measures to address and handle the coronavirus outbreak and Thailand’s economic slowdown. Things took a turn for the worse when it was reported by the แหม่มโพธิ์ดำ (Queen of Spades) Facebook page on Monday that Deputy Minister Thamanat Prompow’s aide was hoarding over 200 million face masks used for profit, amid a severe shortage in the country.