Tension On Border Ahead Of Hun Sen, Pad Visits

[webfact]

Tension on border ahead of Hun Sen, PAD visits

By The Nation

Despite former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra denying that he had accompanied Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on a visit to disputed border areas this weekend, anxiety is looming in Thailand over its implications for the domestic political situation.

Thaksin said in his Twitter message that he is still in Dubai and would not accompany Hun Sen to visit the disputed areas near Preah Vihear Temple. He blasted Veera Somkwamkid, the leader of the nationalist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who had floated the news earlier.

"Don't you stop lying? I'm in Dubai which is seven hours from Cambodia by flight. How can you imagine I would go there, nonsense," he said.

Veera said he would take his PAD followers to protest against Hun Sen at Preah Vihear as the visit might violate Thai sovereignty over the territory. He said Hun Sen's visit with Thaksin would mount tensions in Thailand's politics as the court would issue a verdict in Thaksin's assets case later this month.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsubhan urged Veera not to make the problem more complicated. He said the government and concerned officials should be allowed to handle the situation.

Veera led the PAD to clash with local residents in Si Sa Ket's Kanthalalak district twice in 2008 and 2009 in protest against Preah Vihear's inscription as a World Heritage Site, which disturbed local people.

Suthep said Hun Sen's visit would not create any tensions in the border areas as the two countries have a protocol for welcoming each other on border visits. The government has assigned Si Sa Ket provincial governor and commander of Second Army Region to welcome the Cambodian prime minister.

Cambodia also follows the same protocol and assigned senior officials to welcome Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya when he visited the disputed areas near the Preah Vihear last year.

Hun Sen would visit several disputed areas along the border with Thailand from today until Monday, including the areas near Preah Vihear, Chong Bok and Ta Moan Thom.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) late on Thursday night to discuss security matters, including Hun Sen's border visit.

Senior officials attending the meeting concluded that it was just a routine visit by Hun Sen and the government should not overreact, a source at the meeting said.

Second Army Region Lt-General Veevarith Chornsamrit said he had contacted his Cambodian counterpart Chea Dara to discuss the arrangements for Hun Sen's visit.

Hun Sen would preside over the opening ceremony of a village in Preah Vihear province before a visit to Cambodian troops stationed in the nearby areas, he said.

The border visit was a normal practice and would not raise any tensions in the disputed areas, the commander said. He also added that the visit would have no implications on Thailand's sovereignty.

The Pra Viharn National Park, a gate to the Preah Vihear from the Thai side, was closed yesterday as military beefed up security to prevent the possibility of violence if PAD protesters and local residents clashed.

-- The Nation 2010-02-06

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[poleax]

Most political matters are easier to understand when contextualized. Including this story on Border stuff........ This is my take on it.

The PAD involvement in this border thing makes perfect sense when seen in context. They are an ultra-nationalistic, very Conservative group. For people of this political persuasion, border disputes are helpful. Some will even instigate them. In this case, linking Thaksin and this border stuff "kills two birds with one stone".

I note that some of you have expressed frustration about the many Thaksin related stories in the Domestic media. But this also makes perfect sense when one contextualizes it.

You have to understand that the Domestic Media is an extension of the elitist/aristocratic political opposition to Thaksin and any organizations associated with him. These people are perceived as a threat to them......and they are. So they will continue with the Anti-Thaksin/UDD/Red Shirt Democracy Movement news articles. They need to maintain that strongly until the next election.

Initially, they were able to "coup" Thaksin out of political existence. Followed up by an intensive demonization campaign and according to the Red Shirt Democracy Movement, political pursuit through a 2nd. coup, a judicial one. But to their chagrin, his people won the next election in spite of these considerable initiatives.........What to do?

Most of you "know the rest of the story".....Samak and Somchai were eliminated, and their own representatives hoisted into power via other means.

But another election spooks them. Yet they feel forced to an election if they hope to retain even the slightest resemblance to Democracy. So they are just doubling down on the demonization campaign of Thaksin, the UDD, Seh Daeng, the Red Shirt Democracy Movement, etc.

Hence the continuing stream of negative news articles about them, including this one. Linkage of all protests to Thaksin's financial thing, and Thaksin himself to this border thing, is all a very discernable pattern in this context.

There is a real conundrum here though. Either this demonization stuff has merit, or the growing electoral opposition majority are all made up of a bunch of duped, idiotic dolts from the NE. To suggest this electoral majority is almost exclusively made up from the intellectually challenged NE is agenda. As mentioned in a previous Post, the 100,000 - plus UDD Bangkok rallies double in size when the evening BKK crowd arrives.

So this story on border machinations, Thaksin and the PAD's involvement, the story itself, is all a matter of political contextualization.

(47 rai....Hmmm)

Edited February 6, 2010 by poleax

[mccw]

"Don't you stop lying? I'm in Dubai which is seven hours from Cambodia by flight. How can you imagine I would go there," he said.

mmm on a plane

says the answer to his question at the same time as asking it; wierd

[hammered]

Most political matters are easier to understand when contextualized. Including this story on Border stuff........ This is my take on it.

The PAD involvement in this border thing makes perfect sense when seen in context. They are an ultra-nationalistic, very Conservative group. For people of this political persuasion, border disputes are helpful. Some will even instigate them. In this case, linking Thaksin and this border stuff "kills two birds with one stone".

I note that some of you have expressed frustration about the many Thaksin related stories in the Domestic media. But this also makes perfect sense when one contextualizes it.

You have to understand that the Domestic Media is an extension of the elitist/aristocratic political opposition to Thaksin and any organizations associated with him. These people are perceived as a threat to them......and they are.

Initially, they were able to "coup" Thaksin out of political existence. Followed up by an intensive demonization campaign and according to the Red Shirt Democracy Movement, political pursuit through a 2nd. coup, a judicial one. But to their chagrin, his people won the next election in spite of these considerable initiatives.........What to do?

Most of you "know the rest of the story".....Samak and Somchai were eliminated, and their own representatives hoisted into power via other means.

But another election spooks them. Yet they feel forced to an election if they hope to retain even the slightest resemblance to Democracy. So they are just doubling down on the demonization campaign of Thaksin, the UDD, Seh Daeng, the Red Shirt Democracy Movement, etc.

Hence the continuing stream of negative news articles about them, including this one. Linkage of all protests to Thaksin's financial thing, and Thaksin himself to this border thing, is all a very discernable pattern in this context.

There is a real conundrum here though. Either this demonization stuff has merit, or the growing electoral opposition majority are all made up of a bunch of duped, idiotic dolts from the NE. To suggest this electoral majority is almost exclusively made up from the intellectually challenged NE is agenda. As mentioned in a previous Post, the 100,000 - plus UDD Bangkok rallies double in size when the evening BKK crowd arrives.

So this story on border machinations, Thaksin and the PAD's involvement, the story itself, is all a matter of political contextualization.

(47 rai....Hmmm)

You forgot to put it into Cambodian context, which is a tad important to Hun Sen. Anyway better luck at understanding the situation next time

[animatic]

Of course the B.P. and Nation have perfectly good resons to dislike Thakisn and his clique,

without any Elites leaning on them to do so.

B.P. was nearly killed with Ad revenue withdrawal and lawsuits that cost one editor his job,

on a spotry that was later proved 100% TRUE... so being attacked by Thaksin in a BIG way

when he was IN power, would quite logically make B.P. work top prevent haksin from having

that same power over them again.

The Nation wasn't qwuite as hammered by Thaksin but let's not for get the Nations office

invaded by The Caravan Of The Poor, transparently a Thaksin pre-Redshirt preasure group.

He couldn't beat them into silence with revenue denial and suits so he want for violent intimidation.

Again another journal with ample reasons to not speak nicely of Thaksin and placidly sit back

as he returns to power over them.

The talk on the border is not presently by PAD of course, this is just an excuse to drag them into the discussion.

Hun Sen is stirring the pot again, since it was so quiet for a week or so.

And then the google Earth screaming, again stirring the pot.

Samak was eliminated by Thaksin himself... he could have been PM right after he left,

but Somchai was more controlable, and Thaksin needed control to change the laws

and get himself back in the game.

Edited February 6, 2010 by animatic

[george]

Update:

Cambodian PM Hun Sen arrives by helicopter at border town 5 km from Preah Vihear temple as Thai military beefs up security.

-- MCOT 2010-02-06

[dude007]

I was five days ago in Preah Vihear coming from the Cambodian side. Impressed about the military presence spread over the entire hill and surrounding areas, carefully watching the Thai side from where one can see the Thai soldiers as well. The morale of the Cambodan troops is high (all former Khmer rouge soldiers, who know how to fight in the jungle). All Cambodian tourists give presents, sigarettes, money and food and drinks. They are brought uphill by 4x4 pick-up trucks via a relatively good concrete road (but in places very steep) which is crossing through the disputed zone (if I may believe the map in the heading of this article). Road development down the hill in the valley is going at an incredible speed. The village grows from year to year (I saw this village for the first time in 1996 from the top of the mountain and it was not more than 5 baracks and makeshifts). One gets from Anlong Veng to Preah Vihear in 1 hour 15 minutes (100 km via road under construction) and from Siem Reap to Anlong Veng in 1 hour (nicely asphalted road). It looks to me that the Cambodian intention is to permanently close the border with Thailand coming from the silly Khao Phra Viharn national park (which has only be created from the Thai side to generate money from the tourists): there is absolutely NOTHING TO SEE IN THIS SO-CALLED NATURAL PARK!

Perhaps this will be the solution for the future: a permanent stand-off on the 4.7 Km2 disputed land (stalemate) and absolute closure of the Thai -Cambodian border at Preah Vihear. And who do you think will be the loser then???

Thais' red and yellow shirts: if you want to visit Preah Vihear: buy yourself a Cambodian visa and a ticket to Phnom Penh and further to Siem Reap and take the bus to Preah Vihear. That is the only possibility.... and the problem is solved thanks to dumb people like Veera and consorts...

I am afraid that Thais are pulling the shortest string. Only by talking and negotiating with the owners of this pagoda they can save some of this extremely nice historical site (upon which they are shooting now: one can see the damage from impacting bullets) and secure access from Thailand. There is not a day to loose because the infrastructure is getting in place very quickly from the Cambodian side.

Edited February 6, 2010 by dude007

[mythBuster]

There is no sovereignty to violate. The world court has decided a very long time ago that it is Cambodian property. only a fool would assume that the Americans have better historical maps than the French. Claiming that the ruling of the international court was a miscarriage of justice is simply foolish. Thaksin by the way is not as foolish as people in the Abhisit government, he will not be on Hun Sen's side by such a visit.

[Sheryl]

It is understandable that people in Thailand would tend to view this in the context of Thai politics. But the Preah Vihear issue -- and the issue of Thai encroachment on Cambodian land in general -- is a very real issue to both the Cambodian people and the Cambodian government and one that runs deep. This trip is not about Taksin.

[haihoa]

I was five days ago in Preah Vihear coming from the Cambodian side. Impressed about the military presence spread over the entire hill and surrounding areas, carefully watching the Thai side from where one can see the Thai soldiers as well. The morale of the Cambodan troops is high (all former Khmer rouge soldiers, who know how to fight in the jungle). All Cambodian tourists give presents, sigarettes, money and food and drinks. They are brought uphill by 4x4 pick-up trucks via a relatively good concrete road (but in places very steep) which is crossing through the disputed zone (if I may believe the map in the heading of this article). Road development down the hill in the valley is going at an incredible speed. The village grows from year to year (I saw this village for the first time in 1996 from the top of the mountain and it was not more than 5 baracks and makeshifts). One gets from Anlong Veng to Preah Vihear in 1 hour 15 minutes (100 km via road under construction) and from Siem Reap to Anlong Veng in 1 hour (nicely asphalted road). It looks to me that the Cambodian intention is to permanently close the border with Thailand coming from the silly Khao Phra Viharn national park (which has only be created from the Thai side to generate money from the tourists): there is absolutely NOTHING TO SEE IN THIS SO-CALLED NATURAL PARK!

Perhaps this will be the solution for the future: a permanent stand-off on the 4.7 Km2 disputed land (stalemate) and absolute closure of the Thai -Cambodian border at Preah Vihear. And who do you think will be the loser then???

Thais' red and yellow shirts: if you want to visit Preah Vihear: buy yourself a Cambodian visa and a ticket to Phnom Penh and further to Siem Reap and take the bus to Preah Vihear. That is the only possibility.... and the problem is solved thanks to dumb people like Veera and consorts...

I am afraid that Thais are pulling the shortest string. Only by talking and negotiating with the owners of this pagoda they can save some of this extremely nice historical site (upon which they are shooting now: one can see the damage from impacting bullets) and secure access from Thailand. There is not a day to loose because the infrastructure is getting in place very quickly from the Cambodian side.

Were you able to get to the temple? I noticed you said that there was already damage to it from recent skirmishes.

This is a complex and befuddling dispute, made no easier to sort out by the involvment of political whackos whose interests in the site are purely self-serving. Preah Vihear is a major historical, religious and cultural (Khmer, lest we and the Thais have forgotten) landmark and architectural monuement, and well-derserving its "Heritage" classification (despite the perhaps "rushed" circumstances around which the declaration was made). The dispute is made no simpler by the shoddy cartography conducted by the French, who, in their own fading colonial/political glory, decided to ignore one signifcant topographical feature of the surrounding area...the "mean water shed" of the serpentine mountains in the adjacent areas. This has been repeatedly debated by so-called objective foreign bodies in world courts and by largely Western "experts" and authorities. The entire debate is based on maybe two or three historical "watersheds" (if you will pardon the pun), all having their own sets of circumstances unique to the times, depending on how far back you would like to go. Borders between Laos and Thailand, and Cambodia and Thailand have been uncharted and fluid for at least the past millennium. Why now, do the Thais and Cambodians feel they can lay claim with any certainty to the disputed area surrounding Preah Vihear? They cannot. It is futile to try to hash this dispute out rationally in a world court or through an impartial party. The only way this dispute will make any headway toward sustaining the integrity, sanctity and ultimate beauty of the temple itself and its surrounds will be through immediate negotiations at the highest state levels of both the Cambodian and Thai Governments...at an official, not an ad hoc politico level. PAD butt out. All the military posturing and sword rattling, not to mention the unethically boorish attempts of a certain bullying party to expand its agenda, has done nothing but prolong, provoke and heighten tensions between the two countries.

It will come down to riel and baht, unfortunately, and the fate of a sacred temple must be bartered. Each party must figure out what the revenue loss/gain will be from its point of view, given different scenarios, and a decision as to how access will be made to Preah Vehear from both sides of the border needs be negotiated. Historically, the easiest access has been from the Thailand side due to geograpy, thus perhaps the irrational proprietary and nationalistic claims by shrill politicos. But this is changing. A whole infrastructure has been built up around the dispute on the Cambodian side. Soon, there will be a more balanced physical approach from both sides. Compromise will have to be made with respect to revenue sharing. Thailand should be able to gain access to the temple and be able to charge for its tours, with ownership of the temple remaining in Cambodian hands. There should be appropriate surrounding land for the temple itself, with perhaps disputed lands being given back to Cambodia to maintain the integrity of the overall site... if nothing more than for its preservation and aesthetic. Thailand already holds more than its share of Khmer ruins. Both countries should benefit from the revenues of the site, but Cambodia will have to pay the lion's share in upkeep and maintenance if they are to retain ownership, obviously. The armies need to withdraw their troops immediately. Cambodia can ill-afford to maintain a standing army of that size anywhere in its coutnry. It is too poor, and can better use its precious resouces elsewhere. Thailand could also bring all its forces back to the rear, and perhaps be put to work cleaning the canal system in Bangkok and other neglected civil affairs projects in their curious mix of missions. But it should be a strictly bi-lateral form of negotiations without enlisting outside entities. ASEAN was wise to stay clear of this debate.

This may sound overly simplistic, but it would just take a couple of high-ranking officials from both countries (if there are any with a sincere concern for the site itself) to begin the talks. Dubai would not be my first choice for a meeting spot.

[geriatrickid]

Hun Sen is the leader of Cambodia. He has every right to visit all parts of the country. If he chooses to visit an area that is contested by the Thais, too bad for the Thais as long as Hun Sen stays in the area to which he is legally permitted to visit. Hun Sen stayed in the area which was judged by the mutually agreed upon judicial body to be in Cambodia.

[poonsin]

Thailand have right to protect all of the parts of Thailand and all ancient heritages inside.

[webfact]

UPDATE

HUN SEN'S PREAH VIHEAR VISIT

A close encounter

By The Nation

Thai, Cambodian authorities brace for Hun Sen's visit to Ta Muen Thom ruins

Thai and Cambodian authorities were busy preparing and bracing themselves yesterday for what promised to be extremely awkward diplomacy, with Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen set to visit the Ta Muen Thom ruins in Surin.

"We will act in accordance with prescribed procedures as a host and Thai representatives will be present to welcome Hun Sen upon his arrival," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said.

The ancient Khmer temple straddles a mountain pass on the border and its ownership is disputed by Cambodia despite a border marker.

Abhisit said the Cambodian leader would be accorded the hospitality given to any foreign visitor.

A group of soldiers and provincial authorities met with Hun Sen's advance team in Surin to finalise the arrangements. The Cambodian team was led by Interior Secretary of State Khann Savoeum.

During the meeting, the Cambodian team sought and received permission to take about 100 visitors sightseeing to the ancient temple. It also informed the Thai side that there might be a temporary surge of 150 troops deployed opposite the temple due to the security requirements for the visit by Hun Sen.

After the Cambodian team left, about 400 yellow shirts led by Veera Somkwamkid were allowed to visit the temple.

Veera said his People's Alliance for Democracy would not stand idly by if Cambodia attempted to project itself as owner of the temple.

He vowed to organise a yellow-shirt welcoming committee to greet Hun Sen.

At the triangle border area of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, a group of Thai troops, provincial authorities and diplomats was present when the Cambodian side held a ceremony to pay respects to the deities.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Thai side had no objection to Hun Sen's visit to Thai territory if advance notice was given and permission granted and if the touring of the border was not meant to challenge Thai territorial integrity or usurp Thai sovereignty.

Democrat Party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said Hun Sen made misleading accusations when he claimed Thailand harboured an intention to invade Cambodia. That remark was groundless and Hun Sen should retract his statement, he said.

Abhisit said the Thai government would not read too much into the move by Hun Sen and would maintain its good-neighbour policy to prevent violence from flaring up at the border.

He said Hun Sen's border visit might be prompted by a combination of factors such as domestic politics, the controversy over Preah Vihear Temple's listing as a World Heritage site and an attempt to sway Thailand.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who oversees security affairs, insisted that the Ta Muen Thom ruins were located on Thai soil and any visitor there, including Hun Sen, must not carry a weapon.

Prasong Nurak, who sits on the Senate committee on military affairs, said he believed that Hun Sen would not show up at Ta Muen Thom because as the leader of a foreign country, his visit would likely need to go through diplomatic channels and be handled by the Foreign Ministry.

A source said Hun Sen was in fact scheduled to inaugurate a village called Ta Muen on the Cambodian side today. That village is about four kilometres away from Ta Muen Thom.

"By the way, his programme is subject to change," the source added.

-- The Nation 2010-02-08

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

UPDATE

KHMER PREMIER'S BORDER VISIT

Tension eases as Hun Sen returns to Phnom Penh

Tension along the Thai-Cambodia border seemed to ease after Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen cancelled his schedule to visit Ta Muen Thom temple ruins and returned to Phnom Penh on Monday.

Hun Sen and his wife; Bunnari, arrived at Oh-room-jong Village in Banteay Ambrel of Udon Mechai province by helicopter at about 9am. He presided over an opening ceremony of a battalion and a village which are about four kilometers from Ta Muen Thom temple in Cambodian soil.

His visit was made amidst tight security which included tanks and heavily-armed soldiers. He spent about half and hour there before boarding a helicopter back to Phnom Penh.

A Thai army officer said that Hun Sen normally spent about two hours to visit his soldiers at the border. But this time he spent only half and hour probably because he was worried about the reports that some groups of Thai activists planned to rally near the site.

Earlier reports said that Hun Sen's visit to Preah Vihear area which started on Saturday until Tuesday.

Hun Sen also cancelled a plan to visit Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province, the site which has been claimed by both countries. The Thai side which claimed ownership of the temple insisted that Hun Sen has to ask permission if he wanted to visit the temple.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban earlier said that Cambodian side had notified the Thai side that Hun Sen would visit the temple ruins.

Suthep said the Thai troops will not be withdrawn from the ruins which belong to Thailand.

"We have been taking care of and and [holding in our] possession the area [of the Ta Muan Thom ruins]. Cambodia cannot claim its right over the area," said Mr Suthep."It's unlike the case of Preah Vihear temple in which the dispute was brought to the International Court of Justice."

-- The Nation 2010-02-08

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[sharecropper]

UPDATE

Hun Sen calls down curse on Thai PM over land row

Border tensions died down yesterday but the war of words flared up with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reciting a curse on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his comments on disputed territory.

Thai security forces had been put on alert over the weekend as Hun Sen toured the border near overlapping areas including the Preah Vihear Temple.

Thai security forces had been put on alert over the weekend as Hun Sen toured the border near overlapping areas including the Preah Vihear Temple.

The PM arrived in the vicinity of Ta Muen Thom Temple but did not visit the ruins.

Colonel Thanet Wongcha-um, chief of staff of the Suranaree Task Force, which oversees the area, said Thai authorities on the ground informed Hun Sen's advance team the situation was not safe due to the presence of yellow-shirt protesters.

Before leaving the area, Hun Sen presided over the inauguration of Ta Moan village in Oddar Meanchey province, some five to six kilometres away from the temple, Thanet said. Thai troops retreated after his departure, he said.

During the opening ceremony, Hun Sen launched a verbal attack on Abhisit.

Abhisit said on Sunday that Hun Sen's visit to Preah Vihear would help Thailand claim possession of the area surrounding the temple.

Hun Sen visited the temple on Saturday and accused Thai troops of invading Cambodia. Abhisit said later that day that Hun Sen's accusation meant the Cambodian leader accepted Thai ownership.

Hun Sen put a curse on Abhisit.

"If you don't tell the truth about Thai troops invading Cambodia, let magic objects break your neck, may you be shot, be hit by a car, may you be shocked by electricity or [may you be shot] by misfired guns."

"Will Abhisit swear on having all his family members killed and having them [perish] in a plane crash, if [he still claims] that Thai troops did not invade Cambodia?" Hun Sen was quoted as saying by Cambodian website Deum Ampil News.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear is located in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia. Abhisit argued that the court was referring only to the stone remains but the area adjacent to the temple belongs to Thailand.

He said again yesterday that Thailand would never surrender any of its territory.

Relations with Cambodia turned sour after Abhisit took power due to his stance against Cambodia over the Preah Vihear issue.

Hun Sen criticised Abhisit for supporting the yellow-shirt movement, which helped set the stage for the military coup in 2006 and seized Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2008, paving the way for Abhisit to assume power.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said Thailand regretted learning about Hun Sen's harsh statement.

Such an outburst would undermine attempts to restore diplomatic relations, he said

-- The Nation 2010-02-08

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[johncitizen]

Three reasons why the PAD is so insistent on making this an issue.

1. The PAD are led by nationalistic, religious fundamentalist nut cases (the Santi Asoke cult), thus the idea of filthy Cambodians getting their hands on a piece of land with a Buddhist temple on it really grates against their nerves.

2. All this saber rattling and jingoism plays into the hands of the military, justifying greater expenditure and increased powers.

3. It is a great way of linking Thaksin to Cambodia and thus making him appear as an outsider intent on dividing the precious nation/selling off sacred religious sites. Seeing as painting Thaksin as a Chinese marauder wasn't sticking, they are happy to paint him as Cambodian instead. And as we all know, the best way to unite a country is via an external enemy.

I wouldn't be surprised if the PAD intend on provoking a war over this. Thousands would die, but it would play right into their hands, politically.

[way2muchcoffee]

The PAD are led by nationalistic, religious fundamentalist nut cases (the Santi Asoke cult)....

What exactly makes them nut cases? The fact that they don't drink alcohol, gamble, or eat meat?

They are a purist organization attempting to live by the precepts of Buddha as they interpret them.

[sabaijai]

Chamlong is the only PAD leader who is a follower of Santi Asoke. So was Thaksin, until he split from his mentor (Chamlong), and joined a Buddhist movement nearly as radical, Wat Dhammakaya.