White-mask group suspends its protests in Bangkok

[webfact]

White-mask group suspends its protests in Bangkok
The Nation


White masks rally at CentralWorld on June 30.

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government white-mask movement has announced a temporary suspension of its political activities in Bangkok, following an internal struggle over strategy.

The movement posted a statement on its "V for Thailand" Facebook page Tuesday, saying that it had decided to "suspend activities in order that the group could review its role and direction in its fight to overthrow dictatorship and corruption".

"We will resume our activities once everyone is ready to adopt our ideology,'' the statement read.

The white-mask group is reportedly upset with its allies - the Pitak Siam group and the group led by Chaiwat Sinsuwong - for encouraging some members of the white-mask movement to continue protesting at Sanam Luang on June 30. The movement also said it did not agree with the Chaiwat group's petition for a royally endorsed prime minister.

The statement said rallies outside the capital would continue. The move to suspend rallies in Bangkok drew a mixed response from its supporters, some of whom insisted they would continue their Sunday protests outside CentralWorld.

"V for Thailand, you are hugely mistaken, because you cannot order us to stop our rally. The white-mask movement has no leaders. Whoever wants to support us in ousting this corrupt government can do so. You need to think again,'' one blogger wrote.

"The silent majority of this movement are sick and tired of the discord, we will support you only when you are reunited,'' another blogger said.

"You have woken us and now you want to stop us? This is annoying because now everyone is in the mood to get rid of this evil system,'' one female blogger wrote.

"Can you give us a more acceptable reason to stop our protests? This indecisiveness is what is ruining trust in our country,'' said another blogger.

"We [white-mask protesters] are disappointed - it's no joke. You encounter a trivial problem like this and give up? Why don't you get together and try to solve your differences?'' lamented another blogger.

'sea of masks'

"I dream that one day every white-mask protester will stand together on every street of every city - a sea of white masks," said one blogger. "If my dream becomes reality, I guarantee some families will pack their bags and transfer their assets out of the country.''

Meanwhile, Chaiwat denied his group had tried to take over control of the white-mask demonstrators. His group had joined white-mask protests at CentralWorld, he said, because they were concerned about protesters' safety. He said he would continue to support the white-masks even though they did not see eye-to-eye on all issues.

In response to the statement, Pitak Siam also posted a message on its Facebook page, saying that it disapproved of the white-mask group's decision to suspend rallies, and called on them to converge as usual at CentralWorld. "Those who are not under anyone's thumb can come and meet us at CentralWorld,'' read their message.

Anti-government protester Borworn Yasinthorn called on supporters to continue their weekly rally but referred to his own followers as the "anonymous masses".

"We have no core leader because everyone is a leader of change," Borworn added.


-- The Nation 2013-07-04

[MaxLee]

What are a few thousands of white masks against trillions kachillian Redshirts?

You get the mathematics???

[Tatsujin]

I think they are perhaps taking a slight step back to let the red shirts implode all on their own?

[hyperdimension]

The caption for the picture states "White masks rally at CentralWorld on June 30.", which is incorrect.

The picture is of the area outside the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, around 1km away, across the road from MBK and near the National Stadium BTS station.

Edited July 4, 2013 by hyperdimension

[rametindallas]

I think it is wise to disassociate with the crackpot and extremist elements of the anti-Thaksin crowd. This is somewhat proof that they are not a re-formed Yellow Shirt organization and are not controlled by the 'Invisible/Dark Hand' forces. As this movement is a loose confederation of anti-corruption therefore anti PT government activist, it may be hard to come to a consensus on a coherent manifesto which will define the movement. Like the Tea Party Movement or Occupy Wall Street Movement in the U.S., if you don't clearly define your mission and have legitimate spokespersons, your enemies WILL define you and in the worst possible light.

[maengda]

The caption for the picture states "White masks rally at CentralWorld on June 30.", which is incorrect.

 

The picture is of the area outside the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, around 1km away, across the road from MBK and near the National Stadium BTS station.

 

You are correct.

btw, how much they selling the masks for?

[winstonc]

What are a few thousands of white masks against trillions kachillian Redshirts?

You get the mathematics???

dont know you tell me,,,??? reds are paid to rally,the whites dont,,,,does that help you,,are you a red under the bed,,,,just asking,sir,,,,

[Halion]

Following in the lack lustre performance that infects this country in all aspects of management, The V movement needs a strong central figure in leadership however opertunists, see this ground swell for their own personal gain and as a result you have dislocation.

They need to establish a banner along with a manifesto, not simply a banner alone. One ship, one captain and one common objective. Those in descent should be cast adrift.

[lostmebike]

I wonder why????????????????

Who was recently saying (threatening) this group with explosions?

Makes me wonder

[Bluespunk]

Pitak Siam, pitak Siam, now that's a familiar name. Are they the ultra nationalist group led by the fascist general who wet his pants on his demo last year and ran away? No wonder the Vendetta masks are distancing themselves. With friends like PS who needs homicidal lunatic nutters?

[thhMan]

It would be a pleasure to see a group be somewhat original.... But that will not happen when the IQ of the nation is so low

[Artisi]

Just remember, from little acorns, mighty oak trees grow - early days as yet but give it time, people are starting to slowly wake up that they have been are being conned by the current power-brokers only interested in lining their own nest.

[MaxLee]

What are a few thousands of white masks against trillions kachillian Redshirts?

You get the mathematics???

dont know you tell me,,,??? reds are paid to rally,the whites dont,,,,does that help you,,are you a red under the bed,,,,just asking,sir,,,,

Yes I am, because my favorite shirt is the Red Chicago Bulls Jersey, Lolololtrolll

jokes aside, yeah, money or any reward related populist policies rule the country, which is why people make the same mistake over and over again, by voting for what they want to hear... Not only in Thailand, but worldwide....

[jayboy]

I think they are perhaps taking a slight step back to let the red shirts implode all on their own?

Dream on.They were infiltrated by Pitak Siam and former yellow shirt proto fascists and in view of this quite sensibly decided to call it a day in Bangkok at least.But the Guy Fawkes jokers will continue in other parts of the country - I wonder when they will cotton on to the fact that their hero was executed for attempted regicide.

[hellodolly]

Just remember, from little acorns, mighty oak trees grow - early days as yet but give it time, people are starting to slowly wake up that they have been are being conned by the current power-brokers only interested in lining their own nest.

Yes people are slowly waking up to the realities of the current government and are going to be much more selective in their next election.

The thing is that the White Masks are coming from all over the country and do not need to go to school such as the red shirts had to. These are people with the ability to think.

In a funny way they are a bit like the red shirts in that they have different groups. But the red shirts have a leader who is desperately trying to get out from under the gun and even Jatuporn would not touch the job. When they fall apart PTP will find itself less a valuable ally.

The white shirts have got to where they are with out a leader and manned by volunteers rather than hired goons.

[Bluespunk]

I think they are perhaps taking a slight step back to let the red shirts implode all on their own?

Dream on.They were infiltrated by Pitak Siam and former yellow shirt proto fascists and in view of this quite sensibly decided to call it a day in Bangkok at least.But the Guy Fawkes jokers will continue in other parts of the country - I wonder when they will cotton on to the fact that their hero was executed for attempted regicide.

I think they view Alan Moore's hero/anti-fascist character from his V for Vendetta graphic novel/comic as their role model not Guy Fawkes. Or could be they have just taken the image from the "anonymous" hacker group. Either way I seriously doubt their hero is old Guido.

[hellodolly]

I think they are perhaps taking a slight step back to let the red shirts implode all on their own?

Dream on.They were infiltrated by Pitak Siam and former yellow shirt proto fascists and in view of this quite sensibly decided to call it a day in Bangkok at least.But the Guy Fawkes jokers will continue in other parts of the country - I wonder when they will cotton on to the fact that their hero was executed for attempted regicide.

I think they view Alan Moore's hero/anti-fascist character from his V for Vendetta graphic novel/comic as their role model not Guy Fawkes. Or could be they have just taken the image from the "anonymous" hacker group. Either way I seriously doubt their hero is old Guido.

I wonder when jayboy will cotton to the fact that they will never understand the word regicide.We are living in a nation that still does not recognize the Nazis as being wrong much less doing evil things. If Germany had been here in Thailand they would have looked on the Thais as if they were just tools.

[Thai at Heart]

Following in the lack lustre performance that infects this country in all aspects of management, The V movement needs a strong central figure in leadership however opertunists, see this ground swell for their own personal gain and as a result you have dislocation.

They need to establish a banner along with a manifesto, not simply a banner alone. One ship, one captain and one common objective. Those in descent should be cast adrift.

The beauty of this type of protest is that it shouldn't have leaders. Problem is, Thais ate so used to being led, and someone having to be the pooyai"est" that the leaders will actually ruin the concept.

[gerry1011]

Many on this forum must be disappointed.

Another attempt that did not work...