Thai Red Shirt Reformer Seeks To Empower Grass Roots

[webfact]

Red shirt reformer seeks to empower grass roots

By Sathien Viriyapongsa

The Nation

Six months ago, the red shirts’ occupation of Ratchaprasong Intersection was suppressed and the political advantage they once enjoyed was greatly diminished. And the new Army chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, is making sure the red shirts cannot move as they did in the past.

Into the red shirts’ nearly broken home has come Sombat Boonngam-anong, a fairly well known and relatively young NGO worker who has succeeded in breathing new life into the movement. Instead of the standard top-down activities, Sombat encourages his fellow red shirts to do aerobics, dress like ghosts, ride bicycles to engage in a symbolic fight to call for political justice and for the government to address the deaths of the 91 people killed between April and May who were mostly red shirts.

Six months have passed and some are wondering if Sombat is going to dismantle the old structure of the red-shirt Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship. Sombat has told the press in the past that the DAAD structure is top-down and lacking initiatives from the grass roots. He wishes to see a much more horizontal structure and admits that even the yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy is less hierarchical, as there exist local groups who demand that the top leaders listen to them.

Sombat’s goal is thus to turn the red shirts into a “quality” political movement and one that goes beyond mere attachment to Thaksin Shinawatra.

“The design of the DAAD leadership structure was meant to win a struggle by merely seizing control of the state’s power, while under a democratic system, the majority of the people choose who should rule,” Sombat said. “They ended up as pawns, however. This is a top-down structure.

“To realise democracy, the political consciousness of the people must be transformed, and it’s not just about having an elected government. From being pawns, their consciousness must be transformed into that of citizens.”

Sombat wants to see the red masses lead themselves and turn the top-down system into a horizontal one marked by more equal relationships between the leaders and the masses.

“Think about it. My red friends are capable of doing so many things, but when they sit at a red rally, all they can do is clap their feet-clappers, because the structure doesn’t enable them to do more. Now, I have opened up space for all to think and act, and this resulted in many activities and things that I didn’t think of myself, such as the shouts of ‘There were people killed here!’ This is democracy.”

Nevertheless, Sombat, like other reds, has been accused of fighting for Thaksin Shinawatra. Sombat publicly declared, however, that his ideal red-shirt movement is one that has transcended the attachment to ousted prime minister.

“I think Thaksin’s time is up. I think he had the red shirts to the end. Although not all reds have transcended Thaksin, if the movement continues for another four to five years, I think the whole movement will leave him behind.

“I think those who are very progressive no longer talk about Thaksin. Sure, there are a lot of reds who still think Thaksin is their inspiration. And since there’s nobody today, they think of Thaksin. But it has been four years [since he was ousted in a coup] and I think they can survive without Thaksin.”

Next year, Sombat plans to open political schools to enable reds to become more participatory and less hierarchical, and will adapt them from the now-defunct DAAD political schools.

It remains to be seen if the “old power” within the red-shirt movement will try to prevent the masses from joining Sombat’s camp and, if so, how he will withstand the pressure.

-- The Nation 2010-11-19

[siampolee]

Sombat Boonngam-anong, I like your style. However the lines below may show you and others the task that you face.

IF.....

IF you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;

If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,

if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Edited November 19, 2010 by siampolee

[asiawatcher]

Good quote siampolee but unless someone educates reds in how to conduct themselves to obtain changes, then nothing will ever come of all good intentions and verbiage of this nature. The reds DO have a case but destruction and violence, total disregard of law and seizure of property is not going to be swept under the carpet. Voters have long memories so Khun Sombat needs to put a broom through the militant aspects, create some good vibes between the rabble and the rest of Thailand and perhaps have some educated people represent the reds and the poor of Thailand in ways other than detrimental to the rest of the country. Rallies and inconvenience in public areas does nothing to further their cause.

[SomTumTiger]

I wish Sombat luck! The Reds could have been a viable protest group, if they had this direction all along. But the "rich man's war, poor man's fight" eventually failed, because Thaksin ran out of poor men willing to stand in front of a bullet for him

[Robby nz]

I would think that if he wants to do things properly, and its a good ideal to get fair representation for the poor, then he needs to divorce himself completly from the reds and Thaksin.

They carry so much baggage from the past.

There is also the recent PTP announcement "We are your men" refering of course to Thaksin.

If he can break away completely from the red and PTP greeders leaders and maintain and grow enough support he (with his good ideas) could, as a new party, become a force to be reconed with in the future.

Even, if he stays true to his ideals and is not seduced by money, a coalition partner, not in next years elected Govt but in the next.

[Buchholz]

I do have to concede Sombat one thing:

He's certainly started a new trend:

.

[Bagwan]

Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Thailand needs many more of the same stamp to rescue this benighted country.

[geriatrickid]

“I think Thaksin’s time is up. I think he had the red shirts to the end. Although not all reds have transcended Thaksin, if the movement continues for another four to five years, I think the whole movement will leave him behind.

“I think those who are very progressive no longer talk about Thaksin. Sure, there are a lot of reds who still think Thaksin is their inspiration. And since there’s nobody today, they think of Thaksin. But it has been four years [since he was ousted in a coup] and I think they can survive without Thaksin.”

Two statements that alot of people who dismiss the Redshirts need to consider. He is not alone in his views in the Redshirt camp. For many sympathizers, it was neevr about Thaksin, but was about social justice and the interference of the military. People are going to have a hard time insulting and denigrating this gentleman, although I can it is starting.

[animatic]

“The design of the DAAD leadership structure was meant to win a struggle by merely seizing control of the state’s power, while under a democratic system, the majority of the people choose who should rule,” Sombat said. “They ended up as pawns, however. This is a top-down structure.

At least he sees the problem and is acting to turn the reds into something potentially useful for the grassroots needs, and away from being a tool of the over lords, if he succeeds.

Edited November 19, 2010 by animatic

[sungod]

I wish Sombat luck! The Reds could have been a viable protest group, if they had this direction all along. But the "rich man's war, poor man's fight" eventually failed, because Thaksin ran out of poor men willing to stand in front of a bullet for him

I make you right but with one small change to your text, 'viable protest group'change to 'viable political group'if they had taken the deal on the table offered by the government near the end of the protests. But ofcourse, we all know someone made them say no to the deal as it didn't suit his own interests. This was the point when Veera walked away.

[rixalex]

"I think Thaksin's time is up. I think he had the red shirts to the end. Although not all reds have transcended Thaksin, if the movement continues for another four to five years, I think the whole movement will leave him behind.

"I think those who are very progressive no longer talk about Thaksin. Sure, there are a lot of reds who still think Thaksin is their inspiration. And since there's nobody today, they think of Thaksin. But it has been four years [since he was ousted in a coup] and I think they can survive without Thaksin."

Two statements that alot of people who dismiss the Redshirts need to consider. He is not alone in his views in the Redshirt camp. For many sympathizers, it was neevr about Thaksin, but was about social justice and the interference of the military. People are going to have a hard time insulting and denigrating this gentleman, although I can it is starting.

We all know that the credibility of the red shirt movement would be massively enhanced by dissociation with Mr Thaksin, but for the dissociation to be real it must amount to more than the words of a lone few singing off different hymn sheets to everybody else involved in the movement.

[femi fan]

Good quote siampolee but unless someone educates reds in how to conduct themselves to obtain changes, then nothing will ever come of all good intentions and verbiage of this nature. The reds DO have a case but destruction and violence, total disregard of law and seizure of property is not going to be swept under the carpet. Voters have long memories so Khun Sombat needs to put a broom through the militant aspects, create some good vibes between the rabble and the rest of Thailand and perhaps have some educated people represent the reds and the poor of Thailand in ways other than detrimental to the rest of the country. Rallies and inconvenience in public areas does nothing to further their cause.

You appear to completely miss the point that sombat is making. All you are doing is advocating more top-down methods and structure. Why do you think that the 'reds' need educating in how to conduct themselves? Do they lack simple intelligence in how to be peaceful? Or is peace the prerogative of those in power (sic)?

Top-down works when people are gathered in crowds and the crowd mentality is encouraged by unscrupulous yet clever leaders. Individual citizens find themsevles in a context where their individuality and thus their ability to think in such terms is subsumed by the crowd, especially if whipped into a frenzy. It's well-known that even highly intelligent individuals change into something else when part of a crowd mentality.

The destruction that the citizens (reds if you like) wrought on property in bangkok was encouraged by the red leaders. Top down stuff. Most destruction of property and lives is top-down instigated.

Sombat recognises this, and hence talks of grass-roots democracy. This concept is absolutely not alien to thais, but normally occurs in their daily lives, not in crowds demonstrating for things.

But you tend to give your thinking away by saying they need educating (sombat says he gets educated by them), and by referring to the citizens who wanted a fairer life as 'rabble'.

Sombat appears to be very well educated and can therefore represent the aspirations of the citizens fighting for more fairness in society. You on the other hand are just advocating yet more top-down methods which is what led to all that violence in the first place.

All power to the empowerment that sombat is talking about, and appears to be doing something about too. It's exactly this kind of political expression that can make gains for the citizens by reigning in some of the excesses of those in power seduced by power.

Bottoms up!

Edited November 19, 2010 by femi fan

[DP25]

It'd be nice if in one of these weekly 'it's not really entirely about Thaksin' speeches they laid out a public policy platform and told what specific non Thaksin related legislation they want passed. I imagine they could quite easily work with the current government to get any programs they want that are not related to pardoning Thaksin and returning his money.

[Paul123456]

Sombat is not educated. He is a fool and is being used by Thaksin and co.

Sombat can use words like "grassroots" because he has been 'working' in the NGO field for quite a while. He is a good public speaker. He appears good in interviews.

But reality is he is a foolish, uneducated publicity seeking man, who has a left over hatred of the army from his student protesting days.

Research his NGO work and you may find many poorly ran projects, huge wastes of money, and many projects that (despite their description) were actually not empowering for local people, they were implementing the thoughts of Sombat and crew onto 'the poor'.

He is not a leader. He is not intelligent. He is not an organizer. I doubt he truly understands the poorer section of Thai society. He is not what Thailand needs. He is a middle class, latte drinking, protester of no real value.

Despite his use of the wording, he seeks to use the Red Shirt movement to push his own thoughts and political agendas onto Thailand.

If he truly wanted to help people and empower the poor, he would not have joined Thaksin's Red Shirt movement and supported them as they violently tried to force their will onto others. There are many other options for truly peaceful grass roots organizers that wish to work for a better deal for all Thais. Sombat should be ignored as a loud mouthed annoying puppet of Thaksin.

[gemini81]

trying to disassociate from thaksin after losing credit, but still wearing red and wanting all the same demands? Really its the same old song and dance, and the same old dependence on gov't like they were given from Thaksin. Thats really all they want, more power, money and handouts.

[mkawish]

Good quote siampolee but unless someone educates reds in how to conduct themselves to obtain changes, then nothing will ever come of all good intentions and verbiage of this nature. The reds DO have a case but destruction and violence, total disregard of law and seizure of property is not going to be swept under the carpet. Voters have long memories so Khun Sombat needs to put a broom through the militant aspects, create some good vibes between the rabble and the rest of Thailand and perhaps have some educated people represent the reds and the poor of Thailand in ways other than detrimental to the rest of the country. Rallies and inconvenience in public areas does nothing to further their cause.

asiawatcher

Good and valid observations. You are surely a very wise owl indeed.

I truly sympathize with the rural reds' needs which have been greatly ignored.

But largely, their own red leaders Jatuporn et al are the ones who led these needy Norteasterners into disaster, one after another.

We'll see what the current Apisit govt will do after Jatuporn has so long enjoyed the privilege of not being arrested because the parliamentary is in session.

Personally, I would doubt very much if SomBut or others could master the rural reds to BKK again, after hundreds of them are still being left in jails and are being totally ignored

by the coreleaders who only have been interested in helping their own peer leaders.

Without adequate prepaid cash and funding, the Northern rural RED organizers would most probably prefer to remain home repairing whatever damages from recent flood.

[jayjay0]

The very fact he insists on hanging onto the red shirts shows where his real loyalties lie. To make a difference he would have to admit the red shirts were wrong and that there leader (Thaksin) was only using them to achieve his own ends. He would do well to condemn Thaksin as a Criminal guilty of treason.

I really don't know but I had heard that the red shirts were teaching the uneducated people that Thailand did not have democracy. A change would be to teach people what real democracy is. Point out to them that no country in the world has it. Explain to them that is the ministers who elect the PM not the people. Show them how a minister can vote for who ever he wants to no matter what they want.

To bad the states didn't have democracy. If they did they would have had Gore for a president.

[mkawish]

The very fact he insists on hanging onto the red shirts shows where his real loyalties lie. To make a difference he would have to admit the red shirts were wrong and that there leader (Thaksin) was only using them to achieve his own ends. He would do well to condemn Thaksin as a Criminal guilty of treason.

I really don't know but I had heard that the red shirts were teaching the uneducated people that Thailand did not have democracy. A change would be to teach people what real democracy is. Point out to them that no country in the world has it. Explain to them that is the ministers who elect the PM not the people. Show them how a minister can vote for who ever he wants to no matter what they want.

To bad the states didn't have democracy. If they did they would have had Gore for a president.

GeeWeeze....

After so many many years, finally I got to meet another Gore supporter....

What a difference this world would have been, had Gore not been legally robbed....

GO GORE GO.... green go green....

[scorecard]

It'd be nice if in one of these weekly 'it's not really entirely about Thaksin' speeches they laid out a public policy platform and told what specific non Thaksin related legislation they want passed. I imagine they could quite easily work with the current government to get any programs they want that are not related to pardoning Thaksin and returning his money.

Well said, insightful analysis, totally agree.

[animatic]

The very fact he insists on hanging onto the red shirts shows where his real loyalties lie. To make a difference he would have to admit the red shirts were wrong and that there leader (Thaksin) was only using them to achieve his own ends. He would do well to condemn Thaksin as a Criminal guilty of treason.

I really don't know but I had heard that the red shirts were teaching the uneducated people that Thailand did not have democracy. A change would be to teach people what real democracy is. Point out to them that no country in the world has it. Explain to them that is the ministers who elect the PM not the people. Show them how a minister can vote for who ever he wants to no matter what they want.

To bad the states didn't have democracy. If they did they would have had Gore for a president.

GeeWeeze....

After so many many years, finally I got to meet another Gore supporter....

What a difference this world would have been, had Gore not been legally robbed....

GO GORE GO.... green go green....

2.

If he had only won Tennessee the whole Florida thing would have been moot.And the world would likely be a much different place today.

Edited November 20, 2010 by animatic

[animatic]

It'd be nice if in one of these weekly 'it's not really entirely about Thaksin' speeches they laid out a public policy platform and told what specific non Thaksin related legislation they want passed. I imagine they could quite easily work with the current government to get any programs they want that are not related to pardoning Thaksin and returning his money.

Well said, insightful analysis, totally agree.

Agreed : What actions should be done to help the people?

Greed : What actions can be done to limit it's reach?

[mkawish]

The very fact he insists on hanging onto the red shirts shows where his real loyalties lie. To make a difference he would have to admit the red shirts were wrong and that there leader (Thaksin) was only using them to achieve his own ends. He would do well to condemn Thaksin as a Criminal guilty of treason.

I really don't know but I had heard that the red shirts were teaching the uneducated people that Thailand did not have democracy. A change would be to teach people what real democracy is. Point out to them that no country in the world has it. Explain to them that is the ministers who elect the PM not the people. Show them how a minister can vote for who ever he wants to no matter what they want.

To bad the states didn't have democracy. If they did they would have had Gore for a president.

GeeWeeze....

After so many many years, finally I got to meet another Gore supporter....

What a difference this world would have been, had Gore not been legally robbed....

GO GORE GO.... green go green....

2.

If he had only won Tennessee the whole Florida thing would have been moot.And the world would likely be a much different place today.

Right on, Brother Animatic.

And if Bush's brother were not the governor of Florida at that fateful time.... Gore would have been hailed the Chief.

Uncanny schemes and wars of greed that followed around middle east and elsewhere.... would probably not happen....

Green and Peace as championed by Gore would prevail and most probably Americans would still remain idol of the world for another decade or more.

[mkawish]

The very fact he insists on hanging onto the red shirts shows where his real loyalties lie. To make a difference he would have to admit the red shirts were wrong and that there leader (Thaksin) was only using them to achieve his own ends. He would do well to condemn Thaksin as a Criminal guilty of treason.

I really don't know but I had heard that the red shirts were teaching the uneducated people that Thailand did not have democracy. A change would be to teach people what real democracy is. Point out to them that no country in the world has it. Explain to them that is the ministers who elect the PM not the people. Show them how a minister can vote for who ever he wants to no matter what they want.

To bad the states didn't have democracy. If they did they would have had Gore for a president.

GeeWeeze....

After so many many years, finally I got to meet another Gore supporter....

What a difference this world would have been, had Gore not been legally robbed....

GO GORE GO.... green go green....

2.

If he had only won Tennessee the whole Florida thing would have been moot.And the world would likely be a much different place today.

Right on, Brother Animatic.

And if Bush's brother were not the governor of Florida at that fateful time.... Gore would have been hailed the Chief.

Uncanny schemes and wars of greed that followed around middle east and elsewhere.... would probably not happen....

Green and Peace as championed by Gore would prevail and most probably Americans would still remain idol of the world for another decade or more.

Locally, glad that the yellows and the reds are putting their separate shows back to back.

Perhaps, it would become more clear to the yet undecided populace, after the yellow and the red demonstrations, who should they side, support or vote for next time around.

If the rural population still decide to vote for the old caste-like system of Tuxsin, woe to Thailand.

Even if the unthinkable happens and Tuxsin supporters won the election and they surely want to usher their old boss back to run the country as they already said they would....

Most average Thais would never allow that to happen.... allowing a convicted criminal and an escapee from their justice system.... to become their PM again.... imho

And if that unlikely scene should materialize, in my estimation, not only Tuxsin but all his political parties and supporters would be run out of Thailand by their own Thai brothers and sisters who want to see Thailand remains intact with the most loved and respected and adored Royalty on top to reign forever. As far as I gather, most Thai would protect their most revered Royalties with their own lives.

May those dreadful days never materialize in our life time, nor our children's time, nor their children's children time; is my most earnest prayer for Thailand, her Royal family and her entire citizens. Amen.

[Siam Simon]

Locally, glad that the yellows and the reds are putting their separate shows back to back.

Perhaps, it would become more clear to the yet undecided populace, after the yellow and the red demonstrations, who should they side, support or vote for next time around.

If the rural population still decide to vote for the old caste-like system of Tuxsin, woe to Thailand.

Even if the unthinkable happens and Tuxsin supporters won the election and they surely want to usher their old boss back to run the country as they already said they would....

Most average Thais would never allow that to happen.... allowing a convicted criminal and an escapee from their justice system.... to become their PM again.... imho

And if that unlikely scene should materialize, in my estimation, not only Tuxsin but all his political parties and supporters would be run out of Thailand by their own Thai brothers and sisters who want to see Thailand remains intact with the most loved and respected and adored Royalty on top to reign forever. As far as I gather, most Thai would protect their most revered Royalties with their own lives.

May those dreadful days never materialize in our life time, nor our children's time, nor their children's children time; is my most earnest prayer for Thailand, her Royal family and her entire citizens. Amen.

It was only a minor, technical conviction though. I want to see him charged and convicted for his serious crimes. Doing that properly will also criminalise a lot of past and present members of the establishment. No independant, right-thinking person has a problem with that, do they?

[Buchholz]

Interesting comments in the other paper from Red Shirt Leader Sombat regarding his warning of a coup next month. Citing the dissolution case against the Democrats and pending revocation of Jatuporn's bail and endorsements of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission have all the makings of a coup according to him.

Edited November 27, 2010 by Buchholz

[whybother]

Interesting comments in the other paper from Red Shirt Leader Sombat regarding his warning of a coup next month. Citing the dissolution case against the Democrats and pending revocation of Jatuporn's bail and endorsements of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission have all the makings of a coup according to him.

Is there a "coup prediction" schedule that they use to make there is a prediction every 2 weeks or so.

[siampolee]

Sombat is of course possibly working out an idea to make Thailand the, ''Hub of coups."

[evanson]

I'm so happy I found this forum, and this thread in particular, with it's pertinent and intelligent answers, 'musings' Although I do find it odd that there are so many more posts and respondees thereto, in threads/topics relating to porn and bargirls.

Edited November 27, 2010 by evanson

[TheyCallmeScooter]

People are going to have a hard time insulting and denigrating this gentleman, although I can it is starting.

The lout needs a haircut imo. Not very statesmanlike, that pic above.

Why do you think that the 'reds' need educating in how to conduct themselves?

But you tend to give your thinking away by saying they need educating (sombat says he gets educated by them), and by referring to the citizens who wanted a fairer life as 'rabble'.

Is that what they wanted?

I think it's a pretty fair question. I saw a lot of evidence which suggested that wasn't really what they wanted. I see a lot of evidence that suggests it's not really what they want. There is someone trying to give them a better life. His name is not Thaksin.

Do they need educating? Hmm, how do I phrase this...maybe I'll just leave the open question hanging...

It'd be nice if in one of these weekly 'it's not really entirely about Thaksin' speeches they laid out a public policy platform and told what specific non Thaksin related legislation they want passed.

Exactly.

To this current point in time, I've yet to hear a single specific (productive) policy platform put forward by that entire slice of Thai society (Red Shirts, UDD, former TRT, formerly serving in Thaksin administration, PTP etc).

Please Red Shirt brothers, correct my embarrassing ignorance. What is their beef, exactly? Please use specifics, rather than the loose generalities bandied about by their (fading) idol.

It was only a minor, technical conviction though. I want to see him charged and convicted for his serious crimes. Doing that properly will also criminalise a lot of past and present members of the establishment. No independant, right-thinking person has a problem with that, do they?

Who would? Justice, such as can be cobbled together under various limitations, must be brought to bear on any criminal who has infringed on another's individual liberty. For those who abused their power, and trampled on the rights (and lives) of the individuals' they were supposed to protect...they must be brought to account.

Reconciliate with those who sacrifice the weak to appear strong? Hmm. No, thank you.

[Ricardo]

It would indeed be good, to see more red-supporters who elect their own leaders, rather than merely take orders from the top downwards. It would be a sight more democratic too !

So good luck to this (currently) lonely voice.