Thailand's political crisis: the key street players

[webfact]

Thailand's political crisis: the key street players

BANGKOK, December 2, 2013 (AFP) - A patchwork of protesters are trying to topple Thailand's government. They include supporters of the main opposition Democrat Party, ultra-royalist heirs of the "Yellow Shirt" movement and individuals united by their hatred of exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Here are sketches of some of the main forces threatening the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's younger sister, and also of the pro-Thaksin "Red Shirts".

1. The electoral base of the Democrat Party
The main group of protesters is led by Suthep Thaugsuban, a deputy prime minister when the Democrats were in power. He calls for Yingluck's departure and the creation of an unelected "People's Council".

Suthep resigned from his party before protests escalated.

The Democrats have traditionally drawn support from the Bangkok-based elite -- officials, judges, the military and elements close to the Royal Palace -- who see Thaksin and his "Red Shirt" supporters as a threat to the monarchy and their own place at the top of the hierarchy.

They have not won a national election in 20 years, but enjoy strong support in Bangkok and the southern heartlands.

Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was prime minister from 2008 to 2011, has shied away from centre stage as the protests have intensified.

2. The ultra-royalist heirs of the "Yellow Shirts"
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is a royalist movement better known as the "Yellow Shirts". Their mass protests precipitated a coup against Thaksin in 2006, and helped oust two pro-Thaksin governments in 2008.

But since then the PAD has lost much of its influence. Its leader, media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, has not called for demonstrations -- experts speculate that is perhaps because it would violate the terms of his bail for his role in the occupation of Bangkok's airports in 2008.

Despite this, the crowd includes many former "Yellow" supporters including groups of ultra-royalists. They deny formal affiliation with the PAD but are headed by former "Yellow Shirt" leaders or are close to them.

"Many of these protesters are recycled Yellow Shirts" said Paul Chambers, a researcher at the University of Chiang Mai. "They are arch-royalists."

These groups include the Student and People Network to Reform Thailand, which led the brief occupation of the army headquarters, and also the People's Army against the Thaksin Regime -- some of whom would like to see a return to absolute monarchy.

Behind these groups stands the Dharma Army, a Buddhist organisation which provides free food to the protesters -- as it once did for the Yellow Shirts.

3. Individuals united by their hatred of Thaksin
A number of other more marginal groups have coalesced into an anti-Thaksin coalition.

For example, hundreds of young students from vocational schools in Bangkok have formed a group called "Vocational Help the Nation". Some wear black shirts and are acting as security for the protests.

4. The "Red Shirts"
In the opposing camp, the "Red Shirts" mainly draw support from the disaffected rural masses and urbanites from the north and northeast of Thailand. They showed their support for the government by camping for a week in a stadium in Bangkok.

But after peaking at some 70,000 people Saturday, their leaders appealed for protesters to go home to prevent further clashes with anti-government demonstrators after they suffered fatalities.

The Red Shirts, who do not challenge the monarchy, are Thaksin's main supporters.

They played a key role in the electoral victory in 2011 of the Puea Thai party, which brought Yingluck to power and allowed her to continue her brother's policies favouring the poorest -- which drew accusations of populism.

In 2010 some 100,000 Reds occupied the centre of Bangkok for two months to demand the resignation of Abhisit, before being dispersed by an army assault which killed 90 people and injured 1,900.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-12-02

[Spare]

"They have not won a national election in 20 years"

Wrong. Mark, their leader was a PM just a few years ago.

[skills32]

"They have not won a national election in 20 years"

Wrong. Mark, their leader was a PM just a few years ago.

Yes but not elected. He was PM by default.

[RedNIvar]

"They have not won a national election in 20 years"

Wrong. Mark, their leader was a PM just a few years ago.

He was PM, but neither he nor his party won a National election. You might want to do some reading up.

[nong38]

They should have gone home about a week ago when they were gaining momentum, unfortunately Suthep began to believe his own papers and got carried away. He could have called it all off with a view to coming back again and again before the next election.

All oppositions here seem to think that they can topple democratically elected governments which wont apply to them if they get elected.

Whether anyone likes it or not, elected governments should run their course and not be forced out of office by what is now a group of thugs that has taken over from the peaceful protesters.

What a bunch of idiots they have turned out to be and no wonder Abhisit has kept away, he must have his head in his hands.

On the bright side look at the exchange rate

[rijb]

'Mark' was appointed by the court. The democrats can't win an election. They can't even win a protest. (yes, yes, I know ... it's all Thaksin's fault)

[RubbaJohnny]

Nice to see the clear deMARKation etween the Topplers and the tipplers.

I would appreciate any advice for a good optician.My Top Charade spectacles are finding hard to distinguish which group is the honest,law abiding honest party from their nemisis.I seem to be in some Alice thru the Looking Glass set where they all seem like self serving gangsters lining their pockets,throwng writs,lies and intimimidation to the detriment to the ordinary honest hard working long suffering Thai people of all backgrounds rank or region.

Perhaps I need to re=adjust myself to believe that folks with arrest warrants can get new passports or pop in for a chat with the national leaders PM or is it all a Pantomime of Robin hood to create Hub for insensitivty.

Come to LOS It's A riot.

[kingalfred]

'Mark' was appointed by the court. The democrats can't win an election. They can't even win a protest. (yes, yes, I know ... it's all Thaksin's fault)

wrong again ,he was elected when a smaller party joined the democratic party in parliament to form a majority .Of course the illiterate reds didnt think that was a majority,They have and had their own definition of democracy.which includes absolute power to do their criminal leader in exile bidding.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited December 2, 2013 by kingalfred

[sjaak327]

"They have not won a national election in 20 years"

Wrong. Mark, their leader was a PM just a few years ago.

He was, but not by winning the general elections.

[jackrich]

I like how the title says "the key street players". Makes you wonder, who are the non-street players in this game?

[rubl]

I like how the title says "the key street players". Makes you wonder, who are the non-street players in this game?

A golf caddy amongst others

[siampolee]

Thailand's political crisis: the key street players

'' key street players.''

Strangest assortment of buskers that I've ever seen in my 68 year on this planet.

Truth is nobody knows who, or what makes up or the aims of those involved this and all the other protests in the past.

This current protest is a lot clearer in its aim to remove a nepotism ridden puppet corrupt government.

However the band leaders (conductors) of the assorted factions on all fronts seem to my mind to be a trifle out of sync with the score and its actual playing out to the grand finale.

[96tehtarp]

"They have not won a national election in 20 years"

Wrong. Mark, their leader was a PM just a few years ago.

By what margin did he win in the election that made him PM?

[Dogmatix]

'Mark' was appointed by the court. The democrats can't win an election. They can't even win a protest. (yes, yes, I know ... it's all Thaksin's fault)

He was not appointed by a court. He was elected via a simple majority vote in Parliament.

[FangFerang]

Was Suthep arrested today? A news report about it was interrupted by the station in the middle of a police press conference.

Edited December 2, 2013 by FangFerang

[djjamie]

'Mark' was appointed by the court. The democrats can't win an election. They can't even win a protest. (yes, yes, I know ... it's all Thaksin's fault)

And ironically you are defending a party that is run by an unelectable fugitive. You repeat that sentence in a context of Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and Zimbabwe educated westerners cringe. It seems that in Thailand though there is a magic spell that makes some see things differently.

[coobah666]

Was Suthep arrested today? A news report about it was interrupted by the station in the middle of a police press conference.

well he is on SKY TV now

[SamMunich]

Democrat Abhisit an elected PM or not?

Folks, how can we have a sensible discussion of topics here, if old stereotypes are warmed up again and again?

Please take note (i.e. write it down!), that the Primeminister of Thailand is NOT elected through a general election. This is Thailand, not the U.S. of A. In Thailand the parliament is elected by a general election. Primeminister is, whoever is elected by a majority of Members of Parliament (Lower House).

That system is used in many other countries around the world and has a distinctive advantage: The PM or President (or Federal Chancelloress, hello Germany!) has not to govern against the Parliament, as can happen in the USA.

So Abhisith was elected by the majority of the Parliament, just as all other Primeministers of Thailand since at least 35 years have been, Taksin included. Whether the Newin group was convinced to change sides or not, that has no influence on the outcome of the election at that time. You might not like it, but it was fiormally correct.

My god, if I would get upset each time things don't go my way, I wouldn't have time to live...

SamM.

[nong38]

The democratic problem here seems to be that the democrats dont have enough seats they can win to form a Govt. Its the way the country/constituencies have been created. Naturally the reds and their supporters dont want to change that but does it help democracy?

We get an election and after a couple of years we get protests to throw out the elected govt, they all do it. In a normal democracy the opposition would say we have 4 years to convince the public we are better. Of course things are different here, with talk of buying votes, I could not possibly comment on that and then making a majority absoulute by signing up the smaller parties.

If the current govt dont do a good job they should be given an alternative but it seems there is not one because they control most seats and how to make sure they sit in them.

Until the constituencies are sorted out and the public and politicians are prepared to wait for the next election the country's problems will keep being replayed to the astonishment and amusement of Asean and the rest of the world and Thailand sees itself as a regional hub! Of what conflict?

The politicians need to be sent away, locked up and told to sort out a proper democratic plan and to stop all these weeks of rallies and disruption. Peaceful protest I dont have a problem with but a day or two is fine and no taking over govt offices thats kids stuff and has no place in a democracy.

Gentlemen sort yourelves out or you will become a laughing stock, if you are not one already.

[Baerboxer]

'Mark' was appointed by the court. The democrats can't win an election. They can't even win a protest. (yes, yes, I know ... it's all Thaksin's fault)

No. The court does not appoint the PM in Thailand. Research how PM's come to office - stops you looking silly.

The democrats have won two key elections recently - the Don Meuang by-election and the Bangkok governor election. PTP thought both would be easy victories.

It will be interesting to see the results of the next election, whenever it is. Clearly, PTP don't feel confident or they would simply call an election and use their new mandate to push through the three bills that sparked the conflict.

[rijb]

You're right. Mark was elected. Not sure why Thaksin let that happen.

BTW: It's impossible to look silly in this forum.

[FangFerang]

Was Suthep arrested today? A news report about it was interrupted by the station in the middle of a police press conference.

well he is on SKY TV now

Thanks.

[Bpuumike]

"They have not won a national election in 20 years"

Wrong. Mark, their leader was a PM just a few years ago.

By what margin did he win in the election that made him PM?

You would be well to ask the same question about the current government.

And of course the PM is not 'elected' as such.

[noitom]

This "clarification" of the street players is laughable. The press doesn't even begin to dig at the true causes and the real Thai cultural and economic divide. Without any accurate, insightful fact based, and truthful journalism, these riots or another a year or two down the road will eventually lead to something like a civil war and a total breakdown of the state.

[bifftastic]

"They have not won a national election in 20 years"

Wrong. Mark, their leader was a PM just a few years ago.

That was mentioned in the article. But they didn't win an election in 2008. There wasn't an election in 2008.

In which case the statement "they have not won a national election in 20 years" would be correct.

[Thai at Heart]

Democrat Abhisit an elected PM or not?

Folks, how can we have a sensible discussion of topics here, if old stereotypes are warmed up again and again?

Please take note (i.e. write it down!), that the Primeminister of Thailand is NOT elected through a general election. This is Thailand, not the U.S. of A. In Thailand the parliament is elected by a general election. Primeminister is, whoever is elected by a majority of Members of Parliament (Lower House).

That system is used in many other countries around the world and has a distinctive advantage: The PM or President (or Federal Chancelloress, hello Germany!) has not to govern against the Parliament, as can happen in the USA.

So Abhisith was elected by the majority of the Parliament, just as all other Primeministers of Thailand since at least 35 years have been, Taksin included. Whether the Newin group was convinced to change sides or not, that has no influence on the outcome of the election at that time. You might not like it, but it was fiormally correct.

My god, if I would get upset each time things don't go my way, I wouldn't have time to live...

SamM.

Well that is a little bit of semantics. The parties have their leaders and if their parties gain a majority they become pm normally automatically.

But you're right,, no one gets to vote for their pm directly in thailand.

[Tywais]

Several off topic, argumentative posts removed.

[lemoncake]

They should have gone home about a week ago when they were gaining momentum, unfortunately Suthep began to believe his own papers and got carried away. He could have called it all off with a view to coming back again and again before the next election.

All oppositions here seem to think that they can topple democratically elected governments which wont apply to them if they get elected.

Whether anyone likes it or not, elected governments should run their course and not be forced out of office by what is now a group of thugs that has taken over from the peaceful protesters.

What a bunch of idiots they have turned out to be and no wonder Abhisit has kept away, he must have his head in his hands.

On the bright side look at the exchange rate

May be its not about Suthep and what he believes, but someone else instructing him or supporting him and most likely sponsoring him.

He is no fool to give up his political career with nothing to fall back on. and that 'something" must be worth much more than he could ever achieve

[wanderluster]

this is just not fair,,, when they used to wear their red shirts and yellow shirts,, i knew who to cheer for,,, but if they both only wear street clothes it is hard to pick your team,,, this is just not sporting---- would you ever see a man-u / chealsea match where they dont wear their appropriate colors??????

if they want the sport to grow in numbers,, they have to make it easier for the fans to know the teams

pick a color, take a name, choose a mascot ---- get the best coyote dance team you can

lets get it on

skip the premier league

skip the nfl

skip the F1

skip the nhl

skip the world cup

skip the olympics

this is the thai politics league of sports,,, much more powerful,, much nore interesting ---- champions of all champions leagues

the greatest sport on earth

personally as a farong --- i am siding with the team that has the best dance troup,,,, cheer leaders are the bomb

[Maggusoil]

This "clarification" of the street players is laughable. The press doesn't even begin to dig at the true causes and the real Thai cultural and economic divide. Without any accurate, insightful fact based, and truthful journalism, these riots or another a year or two down the road will eventually lead to something like a civil war and a total breakdown of the state.

Yes, and the pardoning of one very high profile political criminal and exile, is not the best direction for an elected democratic government. Obviously. . the people don't like it. Why should they? Exile is effective. We should keep in mind the trigger for these protests. Changing the constitution without referendum is undemocratic.