Red-Shirts To Elect Official Leader

[webfact]

Red-shirt Group to Elect Official Leader

BANGKOK: -- The acting chairperson of the red-shirt group is likely to be elected to the position this Wednesday.

Spokesman of the red-shirt group Worawut Wichaidit disclosed that more than 30 boards members will attend a meeting this Wednesday to discuss and elect a new chairperson.

Worawut said he does not know if any additional candidates, other than the acting chairperson, have registered for the post. He assured the structure of the group will remain the same, with a central working committee and regional working committees, in order to ensure everyone is working in the same direction towards the same goals.

He noted that acting chairperson Thida Thavornset has been coordinating well with different factions, even though many red-shirt supporters have voiced complaints about how she does not listen to others. He pointed out that the red-shirt group is now very strong, and that whoever becomes the new chairperson will not affect the general structure of the group.

Meanwhile, red-shirt board member Nisit Sintuprai said there are currently no new candidates competing with Thida. He said other red-shirt leaders support Thida in the post.

Nisit said Thida has been praised for her unwavering stance even when some red-shirt leaders had to flee abroad to escape arrest. She is expected to be formally elected to the post of chairperson as there are no other candidates in the running.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-13

[whybother]

Chatuporn denies moves afoot to oust Thida as UFDD head

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai party-list MP Chatuporn Prompan yesterday denied reports that Thida Tawornset would be removed as the caretaker leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UFDD), which spearheads the red shirt movement.

Chatuporn said the UFDD, which will meet on Wednesday to pick its executive members, would elect Thida as its leader with full authority.

He denied reports that some red shirts were not happy with Thida's role as UFDD leader, saying they would vote Thida in as leader so that she can carry out her role with full authority.

Chatuporn refused to speculate on his chances of being elected leader, saying he would play a leading role in the UFDD regardless of the outcome.

He was responding to reports that he might try to win the UFDD leadership due to the possibility that he could be stripped of his MP seat if the Constitution Court rules that his failure to vote in the general election should cost him his status.

Meanwhile, Chinnawat Habunpad, adviser to the transport minister, said he was opposed to Thida's leadership due to her arrogance and her refusal to accept the majority's voice. He said that unless Thida adjusted her leadership style and distanced herself from the activities of her husband, Pheu Thai party-list MP Weng Tochirakarn, she should not be voted in.

Chinnawat said that for the sake of unity, the UFDD should not rush to elect the new leader, but should wait until after the red shirt gathering at Khao Yai on February 25.

He pointed out that leading members such as Kwanchai Praipana had split from the group, in Kwanchai's case because he was not satisfied with the management of the UFDD. The group should ensure that it gets the right leader who can bring together all factions and groups, Chinnawat said.

-- The Nation 2012-02-13

[looping]

Of course there are no other candidates. How could they possibly decide... A public debate??? Oh the thought of it!!! Maybe a fight to the death with big sticks or hand grenades and burning tyres would be more their style

[Moruya]

So is this organisation incorporated? Does it have an official structure? Is it accountable? Does it have a member list? Does it have a memoradum and articles of association?

If so, they should be publicly available for scrutiny.

[hellodolly]

Does it not sound strange to be named United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship When your guiding light who paid your way in your aborted coup was trying to become dictator?

[scorecard]

Chatuporn denies moves afoot to oust Thida as UFDD head

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai party-list MP Chatuporn Prompan yesterday denied reports that Thida Tawornset would be removed as the caretaker leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UFDD), which spearheads the red shirt movement.

Chatuporn said the UFDD, which will meet on Wednesday to pick its executive members, would elect Thida as its leader with full authority.

He denied reports that some red shirts were not happy with Thida's role as UFDD leader, saying they would vote Thida in as leader so that she can carry out her role with full authority.

Chatuporn refused to speculate on his chances of being elected leader, saying he would play a leading role in the UFDD regardless of the outcome.

He was responding to reports that he might try to win the UFDD leadership due to the possibility that he could be stripped of his MP seat if the Constitution Court rules that his failure to vote in the general election should cost him his status.

Meanwhile, Chinnawat Habunpad, adviser to the transport minister, said he was opposed to Thida's leadership due to her arrogance and her refusal to accept the majority's voice. He said that unless Thida adjusted her leadership style and distanced herself from the activities of her husband, Pheu Thai party-list MP Weng Tochirakarn, she should not be voted in.

Chinnawat said that for the sake of unity, the UFDD should not rush to elect the new leader, but should wait until after the red shirt gathering at Khao Yai on February 25.

He pointed out that leading members such as Kwanchai Praipana had split from the group, in Kwanchai's case because he was not satisfied with the management of the UFDD. The group should ensure that it gets the right leader who can bring together all factions and groups, Chinnawat said.

-- The Nation 2012-02-13

Would be interesting to see a clear picture of:

- Their specific objectives

- Their specific structured strategies to achieve the objectives

and

- How all of the above links clearly and quickly to democracy and equal and fair aplication of the law.

[rubl]

So let's see

A chairperson who probably leads a team of 'leaders' and who is furthermore known for many red-shirt supporters [to] have voiced complaints about how she does not listen to others.

UDD with main slogan 'we want democracy'. How apt

[sparebox2]

I suppose it is Thaksin.

[CalgaryII]

Of course there are no other candidates. How could they possibly decide... A public debate??? Oh the thought of it!!! Maybe a fight to the death with big sticks or hand grenades and burning tyres would be more their style

No, that is reserved for coup perps.

It is amazing how some will demonize a reaction to coup originated armed aggression against taxpayers .

What alternative do they suggest...........coup me some more?

[CalgaryII]

Some strange terminology in above two articles.

First time I have heard the UDD referenced as the UFDD.

Also, repetitive use of the descriptor 'group', is certainly misleading.

Are we talking of 5 or 6 people here,

Odd to describe a dominant political movement in the country as a "group'.

A Movement largely instrumental in both electing the current Government and which spearheaded the anti-coup actions is not a 'group'.

Must be some agenda's at play here we can only speculate about.

[rubl]

Of course there are no other candidates. How could they possibly decide... A public debate??? Oh the thought of it!!! Maybe a fight to the death with big sticks or hand grenades and burning tyres would be more their style

No, that is reserved for coup perps.

It is amazing how some will demonize a reaction to coup originated armed aggression against taxpayers .

What alternative do they suggest...........coup me some more?

Coup originated armed aggression? Like in persons involved in the coup started armed agression? Strange as far as I remember the grenade throwing campaign started against any non-UDD member. In the further escalation UDD used big bamboo stick, MiB, burning tyres and a bit of arson.

Anyway, some will elect a new chairperson to lead the UDD, that chairperson may well be the chairwoman who temporarely led the UDD in the last 14 months or so. If she doesn't like to listen to others that may be a good tread especially with fellow leaders like k. Jatuporn

[rubl]

Some strange terminology in above two articles.

First time I have heard the UDD referenced as the UFDD.

Also, repetitive use of the descriptor 'group', is certainly misleading.

Are we talking of 5 or 6 people here,

Odd to describe a dominant political movement in the country as a "group'.

A Movement largely instrumental in both electing the current Government and which spearheaded the anti-coup actions is not a 'group'.

Must be some agenda's at play here we can only speculate about.

Correct, some would just refer to terrorists. Why theNation doesn't I don't know

[CalgaryII]

Does it not sound strange to be named United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship When your guiding light who paid your way in your aborted coup was trying to become dictator?

"Aborted coup"?

Huh?

Maybe I'm just dense today for not grasping some sort of nuance.

[CalgaryII]

rubl, #12

Correct, some would just refer to terrorists. Why theNation doesn't I don't know

If I was a coup perp, I would also have some choice names for those who tried to upset my applecart.

Especially when I had been lulled into believing that my coup was a fait accompli.

I'm not sure terrorist would be my choice, but never mind, everyone to their own,

[CalgaryII]

rubl, #11

Coup originated armed aggression? Like in persons involved in the coup started armed agression?

Yes.

They were not amused by those who opposed their coup.

Even less so, when they had the audacity to resist the aggression.

Who the hell did those taxpayers think they were.

Edited February 13, 2012 by CalgaryII

[rubl]

rubl, #12

Correct, some would just refer to terrorists. Why theNation doesn't I don't know

If I was a coup perp, I would also have some choice names for those who tried to upset my applecart.

Especially when I had been lulled into believing that my coup was a fait accompli.

I'm not sure terrorist would be my choice, but never mind, everyone to their own,

Well the terrorist charge should be 'criminal association' or 'associating with criminals' only some UDD leaders have suggested.

Anyway, you wondered about the description of the DAAD as 'group'. Maybe taken from wiki:

"The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) (Thai: แนวร่วมประชาธิปไตยต่อต้านเผด็จการแห่งชาติ; นปช.), whose supporters are commonly called "Red Shirts", is a political pressure group opposed to the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the 2006 Thai military coup, and supporters of the coup."

http://en.wikipedia....st_Dictatorship

CORRECTION: charge of 'criminal association' instead of 'terorism' was suggested by the Reconcilliation Committee

Edited February 13, 2012 by rubl

[CalgaryII]

rubl, #16 ^

Well the terrorist charge should be 'criminal association' or 'associating with criminals' only some UDD leaders have suggested

I would think that branding taxpayers as terrorists has limited value.

Accusing taxpayers opposed to a coup, as being 'criminally associated' is also a reach. Especially when 80% of 'em are women.

But I suppose if I was a coup perp, I could buy into that. I would even buy into the terrorism thing, considering how they terrorized us coup-ists, to the point we needed to slap 'em silly.

An aside, I understand that Nitirat has been given Carte Blanche to operate on the Thammasat University campus again.

All due to 'student power". Apparently students came out of their corner and forced the issue.

Edited February 13, 2012 by CalgaryII

[rubl]

rubl, #16 ^

Well the terrorist charge should be 'criminal association' or 'associating with criminals' only some UDD leaders have suggested

I would think that branding taxpayers as terrorists has limited value.

Accusing taxpayers opposed to a coup, as being 'criminally associated' is also a reach. Especially when 80% of 'em are women.

But I suppose if I was a coup perp, I could buy into that. I would even buy into the terrorism thing, considering how they terrorized us coup-ists, to the point we needed to slap 'em silly.

An aside, I understand that Nitirat has been given Carte Blanche to operate on the Thammasat University campus again.

All due to 'student power". Apparently students came out of their corner and forced the issue.

I assume you're not really suggesting that the report of the Reconciliation Committee has no value. It may not be perfect, but a usefull startingpoint.

The '80% women' may be related to something, but it's doubtfull it has anything to do with the 'protesters' against the coup, especially those we've seen March - May 2010.

As for the carte-blanche aside, hardly:

"The board Monday resolved to allow the campaigns but organisers of the campaigns must ensure that activities must be conducted within the legal framework and must not allow provocation of violence between people with different opinions.

The board also announced that if any activity in the university campus appears to create confrontation and violence, the university would take certain measures to prevent violence."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Thammasat-allows-Article-112-campaigns-in-campus-30175760.html

[CalgaryII]

The '80% women' may be related to something, but it's doubtfull it has anything to do with the 'protesters' against the coup, especially those we've seen March - May 2010.

The UDD/Red Shirts are generally known to be predominently women, some think up to 80%

As the well-armed coup representatives were not women, those who opposed them in reaction, were also mostly non-female, but not all. The former were all-male, the latter a mixture as one would expect of taxpayers.

I wonder how the aggressors acting on behalf of the coup-ists, would have reacted had they been faced with force equal to their own.

As for the carte-blanche aside, hardly:

"The board Monday resolved to allow the campaigns but organisers of the campaigns must ensure that activities must be conducted within the legal framework and must not allow provocation of violence between people with different opinions.

The board also announced that if any activity in the university campus appears to create confrontation and violence, the university would take certain measures to prevent violence."

Well, that Board resolution simply states the obvious.

Nitirat is an intellectual, idea based group operating within all the requirements stated above.

Did someone think otherwise?

If there are those who dislike intellectual opinionating that does not conform with their own thinking, then deal with them.

Not complicated.

Edited February 13, 2012 by CalgaryII

[hellodolly]

Does it not sound strange to be named United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship When your guiding light who paid your way in your aborted coup was trying to become dictator?

"Aborted coup"?

Huh?

Maybe I'm just dense today for not grasping some sort of nuance.

I don't think that is the reason.

[Ricardo]

It will be interesting to see whether they confirm Khun Thida, who's been 'acting chairperson' for ages, but says she doesn't worship DL, or another leader who is more on-message.

[rubl]

The '80% women' may be related to something, but it's doubtfull it has anything to do with the 'protesters' against the coup, especially those we've seen March - May 2010.

The UDD/Red Shirts are generally known to be predominently women, some think up to 80%

As the well-armed coup representatives were not women, those who opposed them in reaction, were also mostly non-female, but not all. The former were all-male, the latter a mixture as one would expect of taxpayers.

I wonder how the aggressors acting on behalf of the coup-ists, would have reacted had they been faced with force equal to their own.

As for the carte-blanche aside, hardly:

"The board Monday resolved to allow the campaigns but organisers of the campaigns must ensure that activities must be conducted within the legal framework and must not allow provocation of violence between people with different opinions.

The board also announced that if any activity in the university campus appears to create confrontation and violence, the university would take certain measures to prevent violence."

Well, that Board resolution simply states the obvious.

Nitirat is an intellectual, idea based group operating within all the requirements stated above.

Did someone think otherwise?

If there are those who dislike intellectual opinionating that does not conform with their own thinking, then deal with them.

Not complicated.

Generally known? State the obvious?

Yes, love. No, love. Whatever, love

[OzMick]

The '80% women' may be related to something, but it's doubtfull it has anything to do with the 'protesters' against the coup, especially those we've seen March - May 2010.

The UDD/Red Shirts are generally known to be predominently women, some think up to 80%

As the well-armed coup representatives were not women, those who opposed them in reaction, were also mostly non-female, but not all. The former were all-male, the latter a mixture as one would expect of taxpayers.

I wonder how the aggressors acting on behalf of the coup-ists, would have reacted had they been faced with force equal to their own.

As for the carte-blanche aside, hardly:

"The board Monday resolved to allow the campaigns but organisers of the campaigns must ensure that activities must be conducted within the legal framework and must not allow provocation of violence between people with different opinions.

The board also announced that if any activity in the university campus appears to create confrontation and violence, the university would take certain measures to prevent violence."

Well, that Board resolution simply states the obvious.

Nitirat is an intellectual, idea based group operating within all the requirements stated above.

Did someone think otherwise?

If there are those who dislike intellectual opinionating that does not conform with their own thinking, then deal with them.

Not complicated.

"Some" believe the UDD is 80% women - that would be you and who else? Does this organisation have a published membership list, or are you making this up as you go?

Your referral to to the red shirts as taxpayers lacks credibility. They claim to be an organisation of the poor, and most seem to be nett tax recipients paying only a little VAT (as does nearly every Thai) and receiving substantial (and increasing) agricultural subsidies in return for their easily bought votes. If you have any proof that they are in fact "tax payers" please present it, though why this would give their action any increase in legitimacy is questionable and actually opposite to their own claims - that the poor have as much right to a voice as the rich.

Please recognise that the successful coup of 2006 removed a government whose mandate hd expired and a resigned caretaker PM who failed to organise an election in the constitutionally alloted time while he tried to build influence in the military. OTOH the failed coup of 2010 was attempting to force from office a legitimately elected government with almost 2 years of mandate to govern.

[givenall]

Yeah election.

Why Bother just ask Mr. T

[tlansford]

rubl, #11

Coup originated armed aggression? Like in persons involved in the coup started armed agression?

Yes.

They were not amused by those who opposed their coup.

Even less so, when they had the audacity to resist the aggression.

Who the hell did those taxpayers think they were.

coup cheerleaders abound here.

in the TVF universe, taxpayers are terrorists, and tanks &solders are checks & balances...

[CalgaryII]

Ozmick, #23

"Some" believe the UDD is 80% women - that would be you and who else? Does this organisation have a published membership list, or are you making this up as you

The UDD/Red Shirts are dominantly female. That is a fact which surprises me anyone would question. One may quibble about the 80% thing - give or take a percentage - but that is all.

One only needs to attend one of their major events to see this in reality.

Your referral to to the red shirts as taxpayers lacks credibility. They claim to be an organisation of the poor,

They don't claim to be an organization of the poor.

They claim to be a pro-democracy movement, brought together as a result of a coup stealing the Govt. they elected, and elected again last year.

Their protests demonstrated the justified frustration they were experiencing, knowing full-well they were being governed by an electoral minority. That fact was born out by last years election.

They knew this, and the electoral minority governing them who tried to firstly ignore them out-of-existence, than did the unspeakable, was a factor they corrected last July

and most seem to be nett tax recipients paying only a little VAT (as does nearly every Thai) and receiving substantial (and increasing) agricultural subsidies in return for their easily bought votes.

Again, one side of the political divide suggesting only the other side enables the scourge of vote-buying.

It is an argument steeped in arrogance.

If you have any proof that they are in fact "tax payers" please present it, though why this would give their action any increase in legitimacy is questionable and actually opposite to their own claims - that the poor have as much right to a voice as the rich.

Their actions are legitimized by the coup perpetrated upon them.

Any reactionary resistance is accordingly legitimate, and validated by the electoral majority they proved to be.

You are absolutely correct - all people have a right to an electoral voice, regardless how one tries to segment the economic pie. When they are deprived, they also have a right to resists such a thing, and to resist those who through armed might try to impose their minority dominance.

Please recognise that the successful coup of 2006 removed a government whose mandate hd expired and a resigned caretaker PM who failed to organise an election in the constitutionally alloted time while he tried to build influence in the military. OTOH the failed coup of 2010....."

Removing an elected Govt. does not a successful coup make.

That lack of success was brought into sharp relief at R'song.

The 2006 coup superceded everything, and trying to characterize resistance to it as a counter-coup is ludicrous.

".........2010 was attempting to force from office a legitimately elected government with almost 2 years of mandate to govern.

Controlled, manipulated and coerced Parliamentary manueverings does not a legitimately elected Government make.

Only the current Opposition and all its' elements would swallow such a thing.

The voters of last year did not.

Edited February 13, 2012 by CalgaryII

[Moruya]

Some strange terminology in above two articles.

First time I have heard the UDD referenced as the UFDD.

Also, repetitive use of the descriptor 'group', is certainly misleading.

Are we talking of 5 or 6 people here,

Odd to describe a dominant political movement in the country as a "group'.

A Movement largely instrumental in both electing the current Government and which spearheaded the anti-coup actions is not a 'group'.

Must be some agenda's at play here we can only speculate about.

No - it's simple really.

A bunch of dopes - let's call them "leaders" for the moment but two legged pigs would equally apply - decides the "board" for a supposedly "peaceful" protest.

It's figurehead, a convicted fugitive, unelected by the group, decides the direction.

He pays a number of disparate but dissident groups such as the communists to join.

Said bunch of two legged pigs assists in the election charade, assisted by impossible election promises.

2 legged pigs join the party leaving 4 legged pigs disenfranchised.

4 legged pigs attempt to regroup......

Calgary fails to recognise the full name of the 2 legged pigs.

Bacon coming soon

[rubl]

rubl, #11

Coup originated armed aggression? Like in persons involved in the coup started armed agression?

Yes.

They were not amused by those who opposed their coup.

Even less so, when they had the audacity to resist the aggression.

Who the hell did those taxpayers think they were.

coup cheerleaders abound here.

in the TVF universe, taxpayers are terrorists, and tanks &solders are checks & balances...

That's 'merde' and you should know that. Quite a few posters here are also taxpayers in Thailand, myself included. I take it you're not calling me a terrorist?

(ADD: with Thai tax brackets and possible deductions you have to earn at least 150,000 - 227,000 THB/year before you have to pay income tax.)

Edited February 13, 2012 by rubl

[CalgaryII]

Tansford, #25

'.......in the TVF universe, taxpayers are terrorists, and tanks &solders are checks & balances...

Are they beyond redemption?

Given some reasonable discussions between fellow Political Junkies, I don't think so.

I'm an inveterate optimist.

Edited February 13, 2012 by CalgaryII

[whybother]

".........2010 was attempting to force from office a legitimately elected government with almost 2 years of mandate to govern.

Controlled, manipulated and coerced Parliamentary manueverings does not a legitimately elected Government make.

Only the current Opposition and all its' elements would swallow such a thing.

The voters of last year did not.

A majority of the voters didn't swallow what Thaksin's proxy party for dishing out.