New Red Leader Tries To Step Out Of Thaksin's Shadow

[webfact]

THAI TALK

New red leader tries to step out of Thaksin's shadow

By Suthichai Yoon

The Nation

Thida Tavornseth, the new chairman of the red-shirt movement, made it clear from the outset that she doesn't take orders from ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Her declared mission seems daunting. But there is a huge chasm at the top that has to be filled somehow. And she might, under the circumstances, be just the person to fill that gap.

Thida, wife of one of the movement's leaders, Dr weng Tojirakarn, in assuming leadership has made sure she is on the record as reiterating that the red-shirt movement, in pursuit of "genuine democracy", will abide by the system of constitutional monarchy. She is also at pains to emphasise that there is no place for violence with her at the helm.

This is indeed a bold move for a respected academic who joined the Communist Party of Thailand in the jungle following the October 6, 1976 military crackdown.

But it is a necessary step to retain the identity of at least one branch of the movement - or the main public face of the red shirts. The appointment of an academic who has long been known by insiders as the "headmaster" of the red membership is clearly to ensure the continuity of the core leadership.

Does this represent a departure from the "mainstream" red movement, originally known as the "Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship?

To most people, it is not easy to distinguish between the official leadership of the group and those shouting aggressive slogans about a "people's war" and "red all over the land".

Is "Red Siam" part of the movement or a separate entity that happens to employ the same colour in their political activities?

It is even more difficult to determine the real relationship between the red shirts and the Pheu Thai Party. Are they really comrades in arms or just fair-weather friends?

Thida's first comprehensive interview, published by Krungthep Turakij last week, shed some light on these questions. Obviously she has taken up the challenge in the realisation that without some clear answers to these questions, there can be little hope of lifting the red movement above its current state of uncertainty and confusion.

Her six-point policy is basically aimed at restoring faith in a movement that has vowed to fight against military coups, to seek the release of jailed red shirts, help those affected by government action, provide "political education" on "real democracy" and make the best of a "people's power" that she says has never been stronger in the history of Thai politics.

Asked whether Thaksin has endorsed her rise as the new red leader, Thida was emphatic that the former premier has nothing to do with her political role whatsoever.

"It's none of Thaksin's business," she declared in the interview, adding: "What I care about most is whether the people like me or not. Thaksin has nothing to do with this. I believe Thaksin is clever enough to know what his role should be. He should also know what kind of a person I am, or Dr weng is. He should be quite aware of our backgrounds."

Thida says it's wrong to say Thaksin has kept the people' s movement alive. It's probably the other way round. "I talked to him and he told me that he has been kept fresh and vigorous because of the people's struggle," she said.

The new red-shirt leader insists that she has "not taken even one baht" from Thaksin "and I am not interested in getting any financial support from him either. Therefore, you don't have to ask whether he approves of my being named leader of the red-shirt movement."

She admits it's going to be a long, drawn-out confrontation with the powers that be.

"I have told Tu (Jatuporn Promphan) that his public goal of bringing the fight to an end in one big sweep is just not possible. It's not an uprising. And it's not possible under the prevailing global capitalistic system that doesn't allow you to do that sort of thing. The whole country wouldn't support that," she declared.

To regain a degree of credibility, Thida will have to clearly define the relationship between the movement and the opposition Pheu Thai Party. She is blunt and open about it: "Where there are lots of people, a large number of Pheu Thai MPs will be there on stage. But when the shooting started, they all just vanished. I may be joking. But it's a joke with a hidden meaning."

Thida, however, admits that the red movement's struggle will also involve activities in Parliament. "At the moment, we consider Pheu Thai as sharing our fate, being a victim of the coup. What we teach in our political schools is that we need to walk with two legs: The people's movement and the parliamentary struggle must go hand in hand.

"If Pheu Thai betrays us, if they choose the side of the dictators or the elite, we will set up our Red Party."

Perhaps this is the clearest public clarification so far of where the red movement stands. But Thida, "the Headmaster", will no doubt face strong challenges from supporters of Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party on the one hand, and the more radical faction leaders under the "red umbrella" on the other.

Her "middle path" may be the most credible force to galvanise the anti-establishment elements. But her faith in the masses alone will be seriously tested by politicians interested only in regaining power, and by the more militant members who are bent on employing make-or-break tactics.

-- The Nation 2010-12-09

[siampolee]

Thida Tavornseth, the new chairman of the red-shirt movement, made it clear from the outset that she doesn't take orders from ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

It is even more difficult to determine the real relationship between the red shirts and the Pheu Thai Party. Are they really comrades in arms or just fair-weather friends?

Her six-point policy is basically aimed at restoring faith in a movement that has vowed to fight against military coups, to seek the release of jailed red shirts, help those affected by government action, provide "political education" on "real democracy" and make the best of a "people's power" that she says has never been stronger in the history of Thai politics.

Asked whether Thaksin has endorsed her rise as the new red leader, Thida was emphatic that the former premier has nothing to do with her political role whatsoever.

"It's none of Thaksin's business," she declared in the interview, adding: "What I care about most is whether the people like me or not. Thaksin has nothing to do with this. I believe Thaksin is clever enough to know what his role should be. He should also know what kind of a person I am, or Dr weng is. He should be quite aware of our backgrounds."

Thida, however, admits that the red movement's struggle will also involve activities in Parliament. "At the moment, we consider Pheu Thai as sharing our fate, being a victim of the coup. What we teach in our political schools is that we need to walk with two legs: The people's movement and the parliamentary struggle must go hand in hand.

(Remember Animal farm ? Two legs bad four legs good.)

"If Pheu Thai betrays us, if they choose the side of the dictators or the elite, we will set up our Red Party."

Thida says it's wrong to say Thaksin has kept the people' s movement alive. It's probably the other way round. "I talked to him and he told me that he has been kept fresh and vigorous because of the people's struggle," she said.

The new red-shirt leader insists that she has "not taken even one baht" from Thaksin "and I am not interested in getting any financial support from him either. Therefore, you don't have to ask whether he approves of my being named leader of the red-shirt movement."

"I have told Tu (Jatuporn Promphan) that his public goal of bringing the fight to an end in one big sweep is just not possible. It's not an uprising. And it's not possible under the prevailing global capitalistic system that doesn't allow you to do that sort of thing. The whole country wouldn't support that," she declared.

"If Pheu Thai betrays us, if they choose the side of the dictators or the elite, we will set up our Red Party."

Perhaps this is the clearest public clarification so far of where the red movement stands. But Thida, "the Headmaster", will no doubt face strong challenges from supporters of Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party on the one hand, and the more radical faction leaders under the "red umbrella" on the other.

Her "middle path" may be the most credible force to galvanise the anti-establishment elements. But her faith in the masses alone will be seriously tested by politicians interested only in regaining power, and by the more militant members who are bent on employing make-or-break tactics.

Indeed the good lady espouses fine rhetoric, however upon reading it one see's more than a passing a resemblance to Chairman Thaksin and his ideals.

Indeed it seems to me to be a wonderful camouflage to mask the reality of the movement, which in reality has no interest in liberating the masses, more interest in liberating the money and let's all get our snouts and trotters in the financial feeding trough.

New wine old Skins.

Edited December 9, 2010 by siampolee

[Buchholz]

"If Pheu Thai betrays us, if they choose the side of the dictators or the elite, we will set up our Red Party."

The Reds already have a Red Party:

Seh Daeng's Daughter to Lead Political Party in Next Election

BANGKOK: -- The daughter of the late-Khattiya Sawasdipol, a radical red-shirt supporter and army specialist has announced her intention of leading the political party founded by her father in the next election.

In Amnat Charoen province, Khattiyaa Sawasdipol, who is the daughter of late-Major General Khattiya Sawasdipo or Seh Daeng , a radical red-shirt supporter and army specialist killed during the recent political unrest, met with about 300 members of the political party founded by her father.

.

[bushwacker]

What is this about?? Communist Party?

<"This is indeed a bold move for a respected academic who joined the Communist Party of Thailand in the jungle following the October 6, 1976 military crackdown.">

[Ricardo]

It will be interesting, to watch just how much support she gets from either the many other Red-Shirt leaders, or indeed from the ordinary members of the various movements, especially if she is giving the 'cold shoulder' to their former-hero.

[hanuman1]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

[SamritT]

It must be a very long shadow, as Thaksin is in Montenegro.

[Cuchulainn]

If she cuts links with Pheua Thai and Thaksin and starts up a brand new, fresh party championing for the poor, I think she will get a lot of votes and I will cautiously welcome her and her party. But I can just see the Pheua Thai scum sidling up to her so their snouts are stiil in the feeding trough of corruption.

[SamritT]

There is only 1 party that never ever corrupt, and the court have just prove it TWICE. Dems.

[Cuchulainn]

Yes I agree. I am a great Dem supporter too (however, I wouldn't say they are squeaky clean!!), but I would give a chance to any party that would sincerely fight corruption and work for the people.

Edited December 9, 2010 by Cuchulainn

[SomTumTiger]

That is not Thaksin's shadow he is trying to step out from - that is Thaksin's sh#t

[whybother]

If she cuts links with Pheua Thai and Thaksin and starts up a brand new, fresh party championing for the poor, I think she will get a lot of votes and I will cautiously welcome her and her party. But I can just see the Pheua Thai scum sidling up to her so their snouts are stiil in the feeding trough of corruption.

She doesn't actually need to set up a new party. If she really wanted, she could be apolitical - just making sure ANY government looked after the rights of the poor.

[Buchholz]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

She'll get my support with:

A stronger denunciation of Thaksin (btw, it's most often transliterated as Thaksin and not Taksin, which is spelled differently and pronounced differently in Thai, and most often refers to someone else).

A stronger disassociation with the anti-monarchists (she accepts that 3% of Reds are).

Fuller elaboration on their goals and ideals. Remove "to seek the release of jailed red shirts" as one of their goals.

Non-adherence to Communist beliefs and goals.

A stronger statement that they will hold Pheu Thai Party to the same standards as they impose on the Democrat Party.

Complete disassociation and denouncement of Jatuporn, Arisaman, Issan Rambo, Sae Daeng, Kwanchai, and all other violent Red Leaders.

Other than those things, it is a step in the right direction, but the walk is so far, she'd be better to completely sever her relationship with the Reds and begin with something else, the Lavender Shirts, perhaps.

[hanuman1]

If she cuts links with Pheua Thai and Thaksin and starts up a brand new, fresh party championing for the poor, I think she will get a lot of votes and I will cautiously welcome her and her party. But I can just see the Pheua Thai scum sidling up to her so their snouts are stiil in the feeding trough of corruption.

She doesn't actually need to set up a new party. If she really wanted, she could be apolitical - just making sure ANY government looked after the rights of the poor.

If the PTP don't sufficiently address the issues which most concern the red shirt constituency, I can't see how those issues could be addressed without a new political party. The lifestyle of millions of people is by definition a political issue and can't be left to a 'pressure group', which can be used and dropped by political parties as the situation suits them (witness the PAD).

[rubl]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

I've got a 'wait and see' attitude on this. For the moment I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Her husband is a different matter altogether, but he's still with the other UDD leaders (in jail).

[jayjay0]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

Can you explain this

("Her six-point policy is basically aimed at restoring faith in a movement that has vowed to fight against military coups, to seek the release of jailed red shirts, help those affected by government action, provide "political education" on "real democracy" and make the best of a "people's power" that she says has never been stronger in the history of Thai politics.")

The movement is still the same movement why restore a situation that tried to perform a coup by terrorism.

Let us not forget this is coming from a lady who could not find a peace activist that subscribed to there policy's.

If she was serious she would separate herself from Thaksin by openly admitting the red shirts were wrong in there attempted coup. Not going to happen Mister T will not allow it.

Sorry forgot about helping the red shirts imprisoned. If memory serves me rite they passed on that and the Government is doing it.

Failed before thy even started.

Edited December 9, 2010 by jayjay0

[whybother]

If the PTP don't sufficiently address the issues which most concern the red shirt constituency, I can't see how those issues could be addressed without a new political party. The lifestyle of millions of people is by definition a political issue and can't be left to a 'pressure group', which can be used and dropped by political parties as the situation suits them (witness the PAD).

The PAD have nothing to pressure anyone about. If a pressure group has no support, then they don't have any rights to pressure the government.

While the red shirts have support, they can use that support to pressure the government (or any political party).

[hanuman1]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

She'll get my support with:

A stronger denunciation of Thaksin (btw, it's most often transliterated as Thaksin and not Taksin, which is spelled differently and pronounced differently in Thai, and most often refers to someone else).

A stronger disassociation with the anti-monarchists (she accepts that 3% of Reds are).

Fuller elaboration on their goals and ideals. Remove "to seek the release of jailed red shirts" as one of their goals.

Non-adherence to Communist beliefs and goals.

A stronger statement that they will hold Pheu Thai Party to the same standards as they impose on the Democrat Party.

Complete disassociation and denouncement of Jatuporn, Arisaman, Issan Rambo, Sae Daeng, Kwanchai, and all other violent Red Leaders.

Other than those things, it is a step in the right direction, but the walk is so far, she'd be better to completely sever her relationship with the Reds and begin with something else, the Lavender Shirts, perhaps.

Okay, so you're never going to support her. Fair enough.

One thing that intrigues me is the thing about non-adherence to Communist beliefs and goals. I know the woman has been involved with self proclaimed communist groups in the past, but especially when talking to Americans about communism, I'm always at a bit of a loss as to what they mean by it since in the US I know many people would consider what to Europeans is a socialist policy as being a communist one.

Would you, for example, have a problem with allowing or indirectly encouraging trades unions to grow? Would you consider that a communist policy? I only ask because people's idea of communism seems so subjective, particularly among people old enough to have been influenced by the McCarthy era. This particular set of goalposts you've put up may be particularly difficult to ever reach.

[hanuman1]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

Can you explain this

//...

//...

Unfortunately not to you, my friend.

Edited December 9, 2010 by hanuman1

[Buchholz]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

She'll get my support with:

A stronger denunciation of Thaksin (btw, it's most often transliterated as Thaksin and not Taksin, which is spelled differently and pronounced differently in Thai, and most often refers to someone else).

A stronger disassociation with the anti-monarchists (she accepts that 3% of Reds are).

Fuller elaboration on their goals and ideals. Remove "to seek the release of jailed red shirts" as one of their goals.

Non-adherence to Communist beliefs and goals.

A stronger statement that they will hold Pheu Thai Party to the same standards as they impose on the Democrat Party.

Complete disassociation and denouncement of Jatuporn, Arisaman, Issan Rambo, Sae Daeng, Kwanchai, and all other violent Red Leaders.

Other than those things, it is a step in the right direction, but the walk is so far, she'd be better to completely sever her relationship with the Reds and begin with something else, the Lavender Shirts, perhaps.

Okay, so you're never going to support her. Fair enough.

One thing that intrigues me is the thing about non-adherence to Communist beliefs and goals. I know the woman has been involved with self proclaimed communist groups in the past, but especially when talking to Americans about communism, I'm always at a bit of a loss as to what they mean by it since in the US I know many people would consider what to Europeans is a socialist policy as being a communist one.

Would you, for example, have a problem with allowing or indirectly encouraging trades unions to grow? Would you consider that a communist policy? I only ask because people's idea of communism seems so subjective, particularly among people old enough to have been influenced by the McCarthy era. This particular set of goalposts you've put up may be particularly difficult to ever reach.

I never said I was never going to support her. I listed my pre-conditions for my support, which, while difficult, are achievable.

I don't view trade unions as particularly a uniquely communist philosophy.

McCarthy was before my time.

While the article did touch briefly on her communist past, it didn't address and I am unaware of what her current thinking is on the subject. She may have already abandoned her previous beliefs, so perhaps it may not be difficult to reach.

[jdinasia]

Her husband was Maoist in outlook so I would assume that was her past too ( and doesn't say yea or nay about communism in his most recent incarnation on the Thai political front.) Giles U is more Marxist.

[rubl]

Just re-read the wikipedia page on UDD (aka DAAD) and now I'm a bit confused. It says "Focus Dissolve the aristocratic polity".

Maybe someone should rewrite history that page?

[rubl]

begin removed ...

I only ask because people's idea of communism seems so subjective, particularly among people old enough to have been influenced by the McCarthy era. This particular set of goalposts you've put up may be particularly difficult to ever reach.

Although I still lament the day we had to relinquish the rights to New Amsterdam Senator J.R. McCarthy was censured December 1954, months before I was born.

Still you're right in saying one's background influences one's ideas on things. Most Europeans probably have ideas on communism, socialism, liberalism and a few other "ism's" which tend to differ from Americans, or South-East Asian countries. Makes for more interesting discussions.

Excuses if deemed slightly off topic

[Throatwobbler]

The problem is at the moment for the rural poor it's all about Thaksin. I've just visited rural Chiang Rai and all the people care about is Thaksin and bringing him back.

Edited December 9, 2010 by Throatwobbler

[rubl]

The problem is at the moment for the rural poor it's all about Thaksin. I've just visited rural Chiang Rai and all the people care about is Thaksin and bringing him back.

Now I may be totally off topic, but bringing back k. Thaksin as 'miracle cure' for all problems looks like wishful thinking.

Maybe I should remember some posters of this article 'history will not forgive us'

( http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2010/03/26/history-will-not-forgive-us/ )

[Ricardo]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

I'd certainly wish her good luck, as long as she doesn't lead her movement down the misguided path of violent-confrontation or terrorism, the question is how much of the rest of the movement will follow her, rather than remain in the queue for the paymaster's cash-handouts.

I'd also suggest that other parties, not just PTP, might have policies which benefit the rural poor, who are not only represented by "the red shirt grassroots movement". One need merely look at the achievements of the current coalition-government, which have helped the poor, over the past couple of years.

[Ricardo]

It will be interesting, to watch just how much support she gets from either the many other Red-Shirt leaders, or indeed from the ordinary members of the various movements, especially if she is giving the 'cold shoulder' to their former-hero.

... and ...

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

I'd certainly wish her good luck, as long as she doesn't lead her movement down the misguided path of violent-confrontation or terrorism, the question is how much of the rest of the movement will follow her, rather than remain in the queue for the paymaster's cash-handouts.

I'd also suggest that other parties, not just PTP, might have policies which benefit the rural poor, who are not only represented by "the red shirt grassroots movement". One need merely look at the achievements of the current coalition-government, which have helped the poor, over the past couple of years.

Khun Thida now seems to put, in the other similar/related thread, the number of her like-minded people at about 30 supporters at present.

One might wonder what happened the the rest of the movement, or its' claimed million-supporters that it could gather for a 'peaceful protest', or 'the majority of the country' as some Red-Shirt posters might claim ? Waiting for orders from Montenegro/Dubai perhaps ?

Nevertheless the emergence of a non-Thaksin Red-Shirt group with a credible leader would still be welcome, to act as a pressure-group and encourage mainstream political-parties to take the interests of the poor more-seriously, just as the rump-PAD/NPP might do.

I hope this may be just such a pressure-group, but until it can demonstrate a much-bigger support-base for Khun Thida's leadership, any possible claim that they are the sole-representative of Thailand's poor will remain very-premature.

[brahmburgers]

Typical Red Shirt: No real agenda. What do the Reds say about tax-exemption for the rich who own vast swathes of unused property? What is the Red stance on environmental safeguards and setting aside habitat? What do they say about indentured servitude, where a young girl is compelled to work for a rich person for all her waking hours each day, and get paid less than 90 baht per week? Answer: NOTHING. The Reds have no policy statements other than yelling the word 'democracy' which they neither understand nor practice among themselves. When did the Reds ever have a vote for one of their leaders or reps? answer: never.

If it walks, looks, and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. She knows it's politically savvy to say she has no direct monetary support from Thaksin (btw, she didn't mention T's family and friends) - yet, as with everything the Reds (and Thaksin) declare, it's not true. Without T and Shinawatre money propping her up, she and the Reds would crumple like a punctured balloon.

[GeorgeO]

She's distancing herself from Taksin. She's threatening withdrawal of support for the PTP if they don't effectively champion the needs of the red shirt grassroots movement (ie rural poor).

Will the habitual Taksin/red shirt bashers who claim they sympathize with the plight of the rural poor join me in wishing Ms.Thida good luck in furthering their cause?

Or if this stance still fails to meet with their lofty requirements, perhaps they can admit this is at least a step in the right direction for the rural poor and suggest what else should happen before they will give this movement an even break?

Unfortunately, despite demonstrating an apparently worthy agenda, this does not take into consideration the faction within the Red Shirts which seems to thrive on violence. How would she be able to deal with those within her own ranks who seek only to gain their way through bullets and bombs?

[Ricardo]

<snip for brevity>

When did the Reds ever have a vote for one of their leaders or reps? answer: never.

<snip>

Well, there was the time a few PPP-grandees decided amongst themselves, to appoint former-PM Somchai instead of re-appointing former-PM Samak, to his old position, after the TV-Cooking court-case. They must have actually voted on that, surely ?