PAD Man Chamlong - Torn Between 2 Camps

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ANALYSIS

Torn between 2 camps

By Chularat Saengpassa

The Nation

Key PAD man Chamlong Srimuang may be finding that his long-time relationship with Santi Asoke leader Bodhirak is coming to a cross-roads

Chamlong Srimuang yesterday laughed off growing speculation about a major rift between him and Santi Asoke leader Bodhirak. Sceptics will remain unconvinced, however, unless tangible reconciliation is seen between the two men in the next few days.

"I'm still talking to Phra Bodhirak and he often sounded amused by the speculation," Chamlong told The Nation as he was preparing to take part in what is tipped to be the most significant People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) rally in a long time.

Bodhirak has got a head-start. His "Dharma Army" has petitioned the Royal Palace, made the loudest noise concerning the refuelled Thai-Cambodian conflicts, and encamped near Government House. Moreover, the controversial monk's most recent remarks seemed to suggest he wouldn't mind going it alone.

The Dharma Army, the most disciplined group under the PAD umbrella when the "yellow-shirt" movement staged months-long protests against two governments associated with Thaksin Shinawatra in 2008, seems to be getting lonelier and lonelier nowadays. That the key political demands of Bodhirak's camp are similar to those of the mainstream PAD has only inflamed speculation that something is seriously wrong between the PAD and this splinter group.

Chamlong said he had not participated in the Dharma Army's campaign against the Abhisit and Cambodian governments because the PAD itself was planning to come out on January 25. Chamlong said he had kept a low profile in respect to the PAD's schedules.

"Phra Bodhirak and I go back three decades," Chamlong said. "Nothing can make us part."

Whereas the Dharma Army has been extremely vocal about the fate of the seven Thais - in particular Veera Somkwamkid - detained by Cambodia, the PAD has been relatively quiet. But despite its active campaign, the Dharma Army has been unable to mobilise big crowds so far.

Analysts believe the PAD and Bodhirak's "army" could converge temporarily on January 25, as separate protests would bode ill for both camps. However, that would be just damage control where their perceived unity is concerned.

Some sources see the estrangement as stemming from financial conflicts, despite the Dharma Army's extremely modest livelihood. Others believe problems revolve around Chamlong and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a key lay leader of the Thai Patriots Network, another name of the Dharma Army.

Chaiwat was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the 2008 seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport. He had avoided police summons in the case.

Interestingly, Bodhirak has declared that his people's protest at Government House will be extremely "polite", "orderly" and "peaceful". However, critics recall a similar pledge before the PAD of old, of which the Dharma Army was an integral part, invaded Government House and occupied it for months, before the infamous takeover of the international airport.

During the old days, Bodhirak's disciples were considered the most disciplined group in the PAD. In fact, some critics taunted that they were disciplined to the point of being "robotic".

Sceptics of Bodhirak's pledge to protest in peace are watching with weary eyes the facilities at the current protest site of the Dharma Army. Despite the low number of participants, the "camp" has a solid stage, a kitchen, an impressive satellite communications system, toilets and its own security guards. Bodhirak has already called the area his "temple", a temporary religious refuge for his men and women.

Some sources said Chamlong was being torn between the Dharma Army, which used to be his loyal and effective political base for years, and the mainstream PAD, alongside which he fought to oust Thaksin and associates. Things remain fluid and can go either way, it seems, but Chamlong must be hoping it will not come to a point where he will have to actually choose one or the other.

-- The Nation 2011-01-20

[lungmi]

Photirak declared himself as an arahant during the dispute with Tan Buddhadasa and P.A.Payutto. A true arahant never will proclaim himself as an arahant.

Investigations into Santi Asoke led to a decision by the Supreme Council of the Sangha to defrock Phothirak. Phothirak sidestepped the defrocking by abandoning his yellow robes for white ones and refraining from calling himself a monk. In 2007/8 Santi Asoke monks present themselves in brown robes again. Apart from Bhotirak many of them were ordained in the orthodox way before they joined Santi Asoke; they remain monks, albeit without the "monks' pass" issued by the monastic hierarchy.

20. "Whosoever not being an arahant, a Consummate One, pretends to be so, is a thief in the whole universe — he is the lowest of outcasts. Verse 20 Vasala Sutta Patha -

Now this outcast plays the card of "nationalism". Chamlong has to decide if he is an outcast too.