Some Red Shirts Feel It's Time To Go It Alone: Thailand

[webfact]

REDS

Some red shirts feel it's time to go it alone

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

Thida

'Self-centred' Thaksin speech leaves some feeling leaders are out of touch

BANGKOK: -- Red shirts from various factions reached by The Nation reacted differently yesterday to Thaksin Shinawatra's speech, via video link on Saturday evening - marking the second anniversary of the bloody crackdown on red shirts which led to 91 deaths.

Some suggested it's time for the red shirts to carry on the fight by themselves after Thaksin told them to place national reconciliation above all.

"His speech was self-centred. People didn't clap hands for him. When Thaksin spoke, he didn't consider the significance of the day and kept talking about himself," said Vipar Daomanee, a former Thammasat University lecturer and a red-shirt member of the Turn Left group. Vipar said that more reds clapped their hands for Thaksin's personal lawyer Robert Amsterdam who addressed the crowd about bringing those who committed crimes to justice.

Vipar believes no one will be made accountable for the deaths in April and May 2010 as Thaksin will guarantee immunity to the perpetrators in exchange for his return to Thailand as a free man. The same fate will befall the issue of the lese majeste law as the Pheu Thai government will definitely not do anything about it despite the desire by many red shirts to see it amended or even abolished, said Vipar.

"Ordinary reds must differentiate themselves from their leaders as the leaders have fallen behind them politically speaking, and tend to follow Thaksin. Progressive reds might have to campaign by themselves more without relying on leaders," Vipar added.

Sri-atta Pitavee, a member of the Red Siam group whose leader Surachai Darnwattananusorn is in jail on lese majeste charges, said the speech by Thaksin reminded her that only the International Criminal Court (ICC) and not the Thai judicial system could be counted upon to address the death of more than 90 people.

She said her group was still trying to push for the release of prisoners of conscience such as Surachai, or Voice of Taksin magazine editor Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, but recognised there's only so much that Pheu Thai politicians can do. "There's nothing that surprised me [about Thaksin's speech]. But some ordinary reds may not be able to swallow it," she said, in reference to Thaksin's call to place national reconciliation above all else.

More accommodating to Thaksin's speech was Chainarin Kularb-am, a committee member of the red-shirt Network for Democracy. He said there was nothing surprising about it.

Chainarin said red shirts must understand that getting Thaksin back as a free person is a priority for the ruling Pheu Thai party and added that the call bringing the perpetrators in 2010 to justice will not die - even with Thaksin back in Thailand. It could even gather more momentum once Thaksin returned. "The old power clique is afraid of that," said Chainarin.

Chainarin admitted however that as far as the move to amend the lese majeste law goes, it is hard to expect even red-shirt leaders to push it. Chainarin actively opposes the lese majeste law and said Pheu Thai might reconsider the issue if enough people support the move.

Red shirt co-leader and Pheu Thai MP Korkaew Pikulthong said he accepts all criticisms against Thaksin by red shirts but added that they have differing reactions to Thaksin's speech, however. "Reds are a diverse bunch of people," Korkaew pointed out.

As for the lese majeste law and red-shirt detainees under the law, Korkaew said there's nothing Pheu Thai can do about the judicial branch. "I don't think we can tell them what to do," he said, adding that reds should understand that the Pheu Thai party has resolved to not touch the lese majeste law.

Thida Thawornseth, UDD chairwoman said Thaksin "was just playing his role" in his video link. She said the red shirts would go ahead calling for justice and a really democratic constitution.

-- The Nation 2012-05-22

[sparebox9]

Thaksin in not history.

He is not the next Hitler as many Red shirt has expected him to be.

He is worst.

[GentlemanJim]

Suplize, suplize!

Beware Thaksin, the red beast stirs and will soon awaken and you and your kin will soon be placed on the side of the elite, where you of course belong. Perhaps whilst in Dubai I could recommend some essential reading. The French Revolution: A History - Thomas Carlyle. Cake anyone?

I fear Thaksin has no idea what he is doing/has done.

Edited May 21, 2012 by GentlemanJim

[OzMick]

"Korkaew said there's nothing Pheu Thai can do about the judicial branch."

That's why they avoid it like the plague. It seems Arisman and Jatuporn will be the first to get the justice their friends desire, but what chance have the red boys on the party list of getting back on next election.

[ratcatcher]

Suplize, suplize!

Beware Thaksin, the red beast stirs and will soon awaken and you and your kin will soon be placed on the side of the elite, where you of course belong. Perhaps whilst in Dubai I could recommend some essential reading. The French Revolution: A History - Thomas Carlyle. Cake anyone?

I fear Thaksin has no idea what he is doing/has done.

"....the red beast stirs and will soon awaken"

In the west, it is sometimes referred to as :"Waking up and smelling the coffee".

"I fear Thaksin has no idea what he is doing/has done."

And, he doesn't care either.

More cake please sir?

[OzMick]

Got to be new low when you are less popular than Robert Amsterdam. I know of sexually transmitted diseases that are more popular than him.

[Crushdepth]

Red leaders are out of touch? More like bought out.

[otherstuff1957]

I notice that Tida's comment was quite short... She must be torn between her paycheck and her almost forgotten ideals.

[Buchholz]

I notice that Tida's comment was quite short... She must be torn between her paycheck and her almost forgotten ideals.

Her husband, Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP Weng made some nice spins defending Thaksin's remarks as reported in this morning's other paper.

Fellow Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP Korkaew also defended Thaksin's comments, along with obligatory comments from the lackey dog, attorney Noppadon.

One might wonder if these Red Shirt Leaders will be overthrown from their position by their Red Shirt followers. Is this the beginning of an internal Red Shirt coup?

.

Edited May 22, 2012 by Buchholz

[Woodcaulk]

Thida Thawornseth, UDD chairwoman said Thaksin "was just playing his role" in his video link.

And what role would that be?.....asshol_e of the century?

[Buchholz]

Thida Thawornseth, UDD chairwoman said Thaksin "was just playing his role" in his video link.

And what role would that be?.....asshol_e of the century?

Judging panel chairman Hun Sen presenting the prestigious award

.

[pedro01]

Thida Thawornseth, UDD chairwoman said Thaksin "was just playing his role" in his video link.

And what role would that be?.....asshol_e of the century?

Judging panel chairman Hun Sen presenting the prestigious award

.

That's funny...kudos...

[Scott]

The dynamics for groups such as the Yellow Shirts and the Red Shirts are interesting. They both appeared to be tools for a purpose, but once the purpose was accomplished, they continued to exist without any real meaning. For the Yellow Shirts this seemed to lead them into a nationalistic furor over Preah Vihear temple and border issues. With the Red Shirts, I am not sure how the dynamics will play out.

[Reasonableman]

The dynamics for groups such as the Yellow Shirts and the Red Shirts are interesting. They both appeared to be tools for a purpose, but once the purpose was accomplished, they continued to exist without any real meaning. For the Yellow Shirts this seemed to lead them into a nationalistic furor over Preah Vihear temple and border issues. With the Red Shirts, I am not sure how the dynamics will play out.

One reason there are suggestions the Reds need to reinvent themselves as a more independent political force.

[AleG]

I think someone is going to find out the costs of hitching out from the Astroturf bus.

[hellodolly]

The dynamics for groups such as the Yellow Shirts and the Red Shirts are interesting. They both appeared to be tools for a purpose, but once the purpose was accomplished, they continued to exist without any real meaning. For the Yellow Shirts this seemed to lead them into a nationalistic furor over Preah Vihear temple and border issues. With the Red Shirts, I am not sure how the dynamics will play out.

Agreed

I personally think they will self destruct.

[Skywalker69]

I can´t wait for the TV "Thaksinistas" to pop up and defend him.

Edited May 22, 2012 by Skywalker69

[robertson468]

The dynamics for groups such as the Yellow Shirts and the Red Shirts are interesting. They both appeared to be tools for a purpose, but once the purpose was accomplished, they continued to exist without any real meaning. For the Yellow Shirts this seemed to lead them into a nationalistic furor over Preah Vihear temple and border issues. With the Red Shirts, I am not sure how the dynamics will play out.

One reason there are suggestions the Reds need to reinvent themselves as a more independent political force.

And what political force would that be? Communism? Look at the Red Leaders background!!

[Reasonableman]

The dynamics for groups such as the Yellow Shirts and the Red Shirts are interesting. They both appeared to be tools for a purpose, but once the purpose was accomplished, they continued to exist without any real meaning. For the Yellow Shirts this seemed to lead them into a nationalistic furor over Preah Vihear temple and border issues. With the Red Shirts, I am not sure how the dynamics will play out.

One reason there are suggestions the Reds need to reinvent themselves as a more independent political force.

And what political force would that be? Communism? Look at the Red Leaders background!!

Since there appear to be various factions developing, perhaps "forces" might be a better description.

[Honkytowner]

Buchholz, you'll be up against the wall for that, once the Dear Leader returns!

Great piece of satire, though. Guess I'll be joining you....

[Buchholz]

I notice that Tida's comment was quite short... She must be torn between her paycheck and her almost forgotten ideals.

Her husband, Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP Weng made some nice spins defending Thaksin's remarks as reported in this morning's other paper.

Fellow Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP Korkaew also defended Thaksin's comments, along with obligatory comments from the lackey dog, attorney Noppadon.

One might wonder if these Red Shirt Leaders will be overthrown from their position by their Red Shirt followers. Is this the beginning of an internal Red Shirt coup?

Fellow Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP and Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut weighs in with his own defense of...

Thaksin a loyal friend of reds: Natthawut

Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua on Tuesday criticised the Democrats for trying to drive a wedge between the red shirts and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"For as long as I have known him, Thaksin has never abandoned his friends or allies in a common struggle," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-05-21

[Thai at Heart]

I notice that Tida's comment was quite short... She must be torn between her paycheck and her almost forgotten ideals.

Her husband, Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP Weng made some nice spins defending Thaksin's remarks as reported in this morning's other paper.

Fellow Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP Korkaew also defended Thaksin's comments, along with obligatory comments from the lackey dog, attorney Noppadon.

One might wonder if these Red Shirt Leaders will be overthrown from their position by their Red Shirt followers. Is this the beginning of an internal Red Shirt coup?

Fellow Red Shirt Leader Out On Bail and Pheu Thai Party MP and Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut weighs in with his own defense of...

Thaksin a loyal friend of reds: Natthawut

Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua on Tuesday criticised the Democrats for trying to drive a wedge between the red shirts and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"For as long as I have known him, Thaksin has never abandoned his friends or allies in a common struggle," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-05-21

Strewth, one of his biggest allies and so called friends was the one who brought him down, or did we forget about Sondhi?

[tragickingdom]

it is a good opportunity to show the world that Thaksin is not pulling the strings. Thaksin must have been under the influence of Yaa Baa when he made the comment that Thais should stop fighting injustice. They have to put it up a few notches instead.

[otherstuff1957]

In the other paper, they said that you could hear a pin drop after Thaksin's speech. Perhaps nothing will come from this, but I suspect that some of the Redshirts are starting to realize that they are much more sincere about desiring reform than most of their leaders are!

If this realization sinks in, what will happen with the whole Redshirt movement? Will it continue as a valid political movement or will is lose relevance and fade away as the Yellowshirts have done?

[OzMick]

it is a good opportunity to show the world that Thaksin is not pulling the strings. Thaksin must have been under the influence of Yaa Baa when he made the comment that Thais should stop fighting injustice. They have to put it up a few notches instead.

I hear that you get free top-ups on your Kool-Aid in the RedShirt Restaurant.

[anterian]

When populist movements such as the red or yellow shirt groups start to fragment, I take this as a sign that people are starting to think rather than just reacting emotionally. Thaksin and many others in both factions are loose cannons, loose cannons usually end up overboard, one just has to hope they don't render the vessel unseaworthy in the process.

[otherstuff1957]

The Redshirts have always been a fairly diverse group, ranging from the far left (Red Siam) to the militant right (Sae Dangs followers). Thaksin has been a focal point and has served to unify them. If he loses some of his appeal, I suspect that some of the Reds, probably Red Siam to start with, may very well split off.

[bangkokbruce]

Thaksins comments shows how arrogant, corrupt, and out of touch he is. Let me get this staight..."I'll make sure the people that murdered innocent lives during the red shirt demonstration go free if you let me back in Thailand and not send me to jail".....oh boy, what a deal. It's no wonder he didnt get a applause and lost support from his paid off followers. He is self centered and all about himself and could care less about the average Thai and Thailands welfare. He only cares about money and taking care of what rich friends he has left in Thailand but after this comment I don't think he is going to have too many friends left, except the people he has in his pocket. The more he opens his mouth the deeper he digs his grave.

[volk666]

I think you guys overestimate the power of the red shirts. Holding noisy concerts and feisty demonstrations is just that - noise.

Their opinions won't matter unless they win the elections and form the government entirely of their own. Abhisit is probably the best example of a good guy being held hostage by coalition partners, but even Yingluck, even with absolute majority in parliament, still can't choose her ministers herself.

Reds' fuzzy ideas, not helped by worshiping Thaksin, burning the country, and recently wearing Nazi shirts to their memorial, are not going to get any traction outside their circles, and cooperation from all other members or the ruling class is absolutely essential to get anything done in this country.

Thaksin had that cooperation in his early years but now PTP's policies create too much resistance to succeed. Prices, wages, pledges, tablets, debts - it all keeps piling up without any sign of success. The economy is growing after the floods, that's all that keeps people hope's up at the moment. Isan poll, gives the govt 40% on the economy comparing to 80% overall approval. In Isan. Shouldn't those guys be a lot happier?

[gand]

The rad shirts just don't get it, It is all about Thaksin, not them, always has been, always will be.