A space to call our own

[Lite Beer]

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
A space to call our own
Chanon Wongsatayanont
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Wararat Krasae and Ake Auttagorn do not belong to any side of the Thai political divide but are defending their right to freedom of expression

For more than five years, Thai politics have been dominated by pro- and anti-government demonstrations, with protesters periodically turning city landmarks into seas of yellow and red. More recently, the colours of the national flag have being filling the streets to a soundtrack of ear-piercing whistles while, at other locations, opposing groups have gathered to call for caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, to continue her fight.

Thailand, it seems, is irreconcilably polarised.

As the divide deepens between the two groups, those who don't belong to either have begun to create "neutral" or non-partisan groups. Among them is the white-shirt group, which has been organising candle lighting events for peace. However, in just a few weeks, the "whites" have lost their reputation for being truly non-partisan.

During a candle lighting event on January 10 to call for peace and support for the election on February 2, office worker Wararat Krasae was surprised to be picked on by some fellow white-shirted demonstrators.

They apparently attacked the 24-year old because they believed her banner read "Kill Thaksin". Feathers flew and they accused her of being a PDRC protester who had "come to the wrong place", and shouted for her to "go back to Rajdamnoen".

Yet Wararat isn't part of any political group and she certainly doesn't judge people on the basis of their political preferences. All she wants is an election and an end to the political conflict.

"I joined the white shirt rally as I thought it was of the few places where I could freely express my views," she explains.

She had earlier attended gatherings organised by YaBasta Thailand, which launched its candle lighting activity on December 27, and by the Ants' Power, which called on people to wear white shirts and carry white balloons on January 5.

Despite the attack, Wararat would like to continue to show her support for an election by joining other non-partisan groups, though she admits she is apprehensive.

"I'm afraid there is nowhere left in Thailand for anyone to freely express their opinions," she says.

Ake Auttagorn has faced similar criticism.

He made the news last week when he interrupted the press conference of the Democrat party, which is boycotting the election, holding a sign reading "Respect my vote" and blowing a whistle at its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

As he was being escorted out, Abhisit publicly cited him as "an 'example of why we need reform" and called him "an example of the opponents of the Democrat Party who do not allow us to speak. Ake was incensed, replying "I'm not from the opposition. I'm a citizen!"

That same citizen turned up again last Thursday, this time at the meeting on political reform hosted by Yingluck and attended by 25 private organisations. His banner once again read "Respect my vote".

Ake, 34, who works as a marketing manager, says he doesn't belong to any political group but is determined to stand up for what he thinks is right. He adds that an election is "the last and only viable solution to the current situation because everyone equally deserves the right to express their views".

"This is what I fight for and, if anyone brands me as a red shirt [for supporting the election], I won't quarrel with them but this is my own view," he says.

He claims that he only blew his whistle at Abhisit because he felt that Abhisit falsely accused him of belonging to the opposition rather than listening to what he was saying.

Ake and Wararat have both been slammed on the social media for their actions, though the reasons for the criticisms have varied according to political beliefs of the posters. However, both are also regarded as victims who have been unjustly branded for belonging to a political group when all they wanted was to express their own opinions.

The backlash has convinced Wararat that there needs to be a reform in the way people think before the country can even tackle political reform. "Everyone should be able to express themselves freely without bias or prejudice," she insists, adding that everyone should equally be permitted to explain their point before being labelled as belonging to a group.

Ake believes that bias is inevitable and begins when one group brands itself as good and the other as evil. He points to the way in which the PDRC hurls insults at the caretaker government and its supporters as an example of inciting such prejudice.

"I never call for anyone to die because we are all people. Imagine if the people we are insulting are our sons or mothers, would you still be calling them all those names?" he asks.

Such hate-invoking tactics, he says, lead nowhere and end up with each group calling the others stupid, misguided and evil. Now, after spending time with protesters from multiple groups, he has concluded that "we are all just people". Thus to protect each individual's right, he is making the call to "Respect my vote".

The slogan has caught on and many social media users have replaced their profile picture with one that shows them clutching a sign reading "Respect my vote".

Ake and Wararat might be coming under fire for their beliefs, but they have also created more space for other non-partisans to come out and have somewhere to stand.

-- The Nation 2014-01-19

[jackrich]

The Democrats position right now is:

- We wont participate in elections if we dont win.

They were losing elections long before Thaksin even became a politician and they are one of the parties with the most corruption in their history, decades before Thaksin even came to power.

Maybe its time for them to revise their policies or close down for good.

[Nowhereman60]

Victory will be won at the ballot box not in the streets with guns, bombs and threats of we will stop you from voting by blocking you and intimidating you from voting. The people are coming out and saying enough is enough let us make our choice, we don't like your choice.

[ultimate weapon]

for your info the girl holding the sign got a earful and a scolding to get out before they calmed down some of the members.

[Yunla]

I have 'liked' this article which I felt was lucidly written, aptly titled, and hit the nail on the head 100%.

It is always the people occupying the 'middle ground' who suffer the most when two opposing groups are intent on common brigandage, plunder and destabilisation for whatever reasons. When the extremists make no sense at all, it is the sensible people who always suffer the most. The middle-ground is the permanent location of the discussion-table and the debating-floor, it is the home-point of all consensus. This has never changed and by its nature can not ever be changed. So people who occupy the middle-ground are in the correct place, it is the extreme faraway people (from any side) who refuse to enter the middle-ground who are the problem - entirely.

Additionally, the white-shirts, middle-ground advocates, are the ultimate national defense for sovereignty and prosperity. Extremists and their actions create 'blood in the water', blood which can be detected by hungry supernational sharks and lead to Game-Over spirals. The middle-ground is where the nation is strengthened and protected against negative forces both domestic and international. These people in their white shirts and their middle-ground stance, deserve to be hugely applauded and credited with being the best hope for Thailand's successful future.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Yunla

[englishoak]

They apparently attacked the 24-year old because they believed her banner read "Kill Thaksin"

Because the word corruption under the new thai/english dictionary is described as the following.

cor·rup·tion (k-rpshn)

n.

1.

a. The act or process of corrupting.

b. The state of being corrupt.

2. Decay; rot.

3. Taksin ex PM Thailand and the rest of

Edited January 19, 2014 by englishoak

[Emptyset]

for your info the girl holding the sign got a earful and a scolding to get out before they calmed down some of the members.

Yeah, because a few of the idiot Thaksin fans had misunderstood her sign as the article says. Luckily there were some more considered white shirts who calmed the situation, explained what the sign really meant and it ended with wais all round. Nevertheless it was depressing because some had clearly jumped in before they'd understood what was going on. Mobs tend to be quick to judge, whichever colour they're wearing.

[Nowhereman60]

Even in Egypt they can hold fair clean elections with one rouge party boycotting the election. With the help of the military their was no violence, not like in Thailand where the Army is one sided. It was a clear victory for the people as it will be in Thailand in two weeks

[Thait Spot]

Victory will be won at the ballot box not in the streets with guns, bombs and threats of we will stop you from voting by blocking you and intimidating you from voting. The people are coming out and saying enough is enough let us make our choice, we don't like your choice.

If you are saying that the white shirts are pro red you really should try counseling

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[moonao]

That girl obviously has nothing upstairs if she thinks that "ending thaksinokrasy" will some how magically purge corruption from Thailand.

Ironically, the Abhisit and Suthep regime was one of the most corrupt administrations in history. If she is genuine about ending corruption she would be focusing on checks and balances.

[Emptyset]

That girl obviously has nothing upstairs if she thinks that "ending thaksinokrasy" will some how magically purge corruption from Thailand.

Ironically, the Abhisit and Suthep regime was one of the most corrupt administrations in history. If she is genuine about ending corruption she would be focusing on checks and balances.

Since you failed to understand her sign, it's no surprise some of her fellow non-English speaking white shirts also did. Clearly far too sophisticated for some.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Emptyset

[uty6543]

5 of the previous posters are the type of people who are the problem. Extremists. To you 5 try respecting other peoples views.

[FangFerang]

I have 'liked' this article which I felt was lucidly written, aptly titled, and hit the nail on the head 100%.

It is always the people occupying the 'middle ground' who suffer the most when two opposing groups are intent on common brigandage, plunder and destabilisation for whatever reasons. When the extremists make no sense at all, it is the sensible people who always suffer the most. The middle-ground is the permanent location of the discussion-table and the debating-floor, it is the home-point of all consensus. This has never changed and by its nature can not ever be changed. So people who occupy the middle-ground are in the correct place, it is the extreme faraway people (from any side) who refuse to enter the middle-ground who are the problem - entirely.

Additionally, the white-shirts, middle-ground advocates, are the ultimate national defense for sovereignty and prosperity. Extremists and their actions create 'blood in the water', blood which can be detected by hungry supernational sharks and lead to Game-Over spirals. The middle-ground is where the nation is strengthened and protected against negative forces both domestic and international. These people in their white shirts and their middle-ground stance, deserve to be hugely applauded and credited with being the best hope for Thailand's successful future.

Ironically, the Lord Buddha recommended the Middle Way. I guess, to some, merit is more important than meaning.

[PatOngo]

for your info the girl holding the sign got a earful and a scolding to get out before they calmed down some of the members.

They apparently attacked the 24-year old because they believed her banner read "Kill Thaksin"

Because the word corruption under the new thai/english dictionary is described as the following.

cor·rup·tion (k-rpshn)

n.

1.

a. The act or process of corrupting.

b. The state of being corrupt.

2. Decay; rot.

3. Taksin ex PM Thailand and the rest of

That girl obviously has nothing upstairs if she thinks that "ending thaksinokrasy" will some how magically purge corruption from Thailand.

Ironically, the Abhisit and Suthep regime was one of the most corrupt administrations in history. If she is genuine about ending corruption she would be focusing on checks and balances.

No,she can't be too bright,she even spelt the fugitives name wrong

[mijan24]

I have 'liked' this article which I felt was lucidly written, aptly titled, and hit the nail on the head 100%.

It is always the people occupying the 'middle ground' who suffer the most when two opposing groups are intent on common brigandage, plunder and destabilisation for whatever reasons. When the extremists make no sense at all, it is the sensible people who always suffer the most. The middle-ground is the permanent location of the discussion-table and the debating-floor, it is the home-point of all consensus. This has never changed and by its nature can not ever be changed. So people who occupy the middle-ground are in the correct place, it is the extreme faraway people (from any side) who refuse to enter the middle-ground who are the problem - entirely.

Additionally, the white-shirts, middle-ground advocates, are the ultimate national defense for sovereignty and prosperity. Extremists and their actions create 'blood in the water', blood which can be detected by hungry supernational sharks and lead to Game-Over spirals. The middle-ground is where the nation is strengthened and protected against negative forces both domestic and international. These people in their white shirts and their middle-ground stance, deserve to be hugely applauded and credited with being the best hope for Thailand's successful future.

The two Thais mentioned in the article appear to represent many clear thinking Thais who simply want the best for their country unfortunately there is power and money in play here and the power brokers whether they be red or yellow are more interested in their own vested interests than the welfare of Thailand.

Someone has suggested they (the Thai people) could seek mediation from another country/organisation - please take a second look at that suggestion - a few names come to mind USA (Obama) what a bufoon, RUSSIA ( Putin simply put a Thug), JAPAN (they wrecked carnage when here last time), EUROPE (a fiscal mess), Australia (Abbott could not help himself out of bed) PNG (the only country that calls Rapist & Murderes RASCALS), NO the answer is have Thais fix it themselves - seek advice from "The King" and act upon it I am sure no matter if you are red, white or yellow you would be willing to recognise his infinite wisdom and zeal for this wonderful country.

Suggestion - arrest the wrong doers "lock them up" throw away the keys, put counties who harbour Thai convicted criminals on notice "return our criminals to face the consequences or take us (Thailand) off your christmas list. Let this problem be fixed once and for all.(one by-product of this would be to use the wrong doers ill gotten gains for the betterment of Thailand. A harsh view I know but rather that than Thailand remaining the laughing stock of the world and it might help take the sniggers off some of the wrong doers family faces.

[ManopY]

Just click on those pictures here under to zoom-in!

[englishoak]

Just click on those pictures here under to zoom-in!

Who cares ? they arnt the only ones out there wanting the respect of voting.

[Emptyset]

Just click on those pictures here under to zoom-in!

At least the picture of Ake is actually Ake, and not some other guy this time. I would describe him as a red shirt sympathiser but not an actual red shirt who went out to protest with them. He's not a huge fan of Thaksin either.

[Hawk]

I have 'liked' this article which I felt was lucidly written, aptly titled, and hit the nail on the head 100%.

It is always the people occupying the 'middle ground' who suffer the most when two opposing groups are intent on common brigandage, plunder and destabilisation for whatever reasons. When the extremists make no sense at all, it is the sensible people who always suffer the most. The middle-ground is the permanent location of the discussion-table and the debating-floor, it is the home-point of all consensus. This has never changed and by its nature can not ever be changed. So people who occupy the middle-ground are in the correct place, it is the extreme faraway people (from any side) who refuse to enter the middle-ground who are the problem - entirely.

Additionally, the white-shirts, middle-ground advocates, are the ultimate national defense for sovereignty and prosperity. Extremists and their actions create 'blood in the water', blood which can be detected by hungry supernational sharks and lead to Game-Over spirals. The middle-ground is where the nation is strengthened and protected against negative forces both domestic and international. These people in their white shirts and their middle-ground stance, deserve to be hugely applauded and credited with being the best hope for Thailand's successful future.

The two Thais mentioned in the article appear to represent many clear thinking Thais who simply want the best for their country unfortunately there is power and money in play here and the power brokers whether they be red or yellow are more interested in their own vested interests than the welfare of Thailand.

Someone has suggested they (the Thai people) could seek mediation from another country/organisation - please take a second look at that suggestion - a few names come to mind USA (Obama) what a bufoon, RUSSIA ( Putin simply put a Thug), JAPAN (they wrecked carnage when here last time), EUROPE (a fiscal mess), Australia (Abbott could not help himself out of bed) PNG (the only country that calls Rapist & Murderes RASCALS), NO the answer is have Thais fix it themselves - seek advice from "The King" and act upon it I am sure no matter if you are red, white or yellow you would be willing to recognise his infinite wisdom and zeal for this wonderful country.

Suggestion - arrest the wrong doers "lock them up" throw away the keys, put counties who harbour Thai convicted criminals on notice "return our criminals to face the consequences or take us (Thailand) off your christmas list. Let this problem be fixed once and for all.(one by-product of this would be to use the wrong doers ill gotten gains for the betterment of Thailand. A harsh view I know but rather that than Thailand remaining the laughing stock of the world and it might help take the sniggers off some of the wrong doers family faces.

If you lock up all the wrong doers then who will take care of the country? And does Dubai give a toss about Thailand and any silly threats emanating from this sunny land? Of course not!

This country is and will remain for the foreseeable future, feudalistic, unfortunately, a breeding ground for corruption, greed and abuse of power. The elite obviously do not want change within the country, so they keep a huge bloated army standing by in case of a perceived attack on their way of life. To them the old ways are best, no voting, just a king, and various lords, barons etc to keep the peasants under control and to rake in the money. The poor feed the rich!

At one time, in the beginning, Thaksin was praised by the king for getting the economy moving, getting that airport finished, after years of talk and Democrat mismanagement of the entire country. But because Thaksin was so successful and flamboyant he quickly developed enemies among the entrenched elite, especially when he upset a certain lady and her handbag business by doing it better and making a good profit as well. His fate was then sealed, he had to be removed by force if necessary. Then Thaksin sensing the change went head to head with the elite, he tried even harder to be a man of the people, and he did it any way he could. If the elite could use money to buy people, then Thaksin simply used the same principle, because in every country of the world money makes things happened. Thaksin just used bribery to get things done, as the elite did before him, so don't blame Thaksin for inventing corruption.

Oh! What about the satellite deal I hear on say? Private offshore deal! How many huge companies all over the world avoid unnecessary state taxes by doing offhore deals and business. Most countries waste huge amounts of your tax money unnecessarily, and will continue to do so if you let them, so what's mine, stays mine. So don't blame Thaksin for trying to hold on to his money, most of you would do the same in similar circumstances. Thaksin is no angel but neither are half the governments of this planet, and the elite of this country certainly have a lot to answer for.

So, before you condemn, look at both sides of this story, Thaksin is only a product of past conditioning. Corruption, bribery and abuse of power have been with us for thousands of years and longer, they are most certainly not new phenomena invented by Thaksin. Blame yourselves for the making of the man called Thaksin, without your help he would still be just selling silk or directing traffic, you Thais made him.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Hawk

[poisonus]

This whole 'respect my vote' movement is a huge joke.

Respect my vote indeed..... Lol.

They they want respect for their vote, they should join the anti-government protests and call out AGAINST the elections.

Under the current system, if they are voting 'respectfully' in support of their political beliefs, their vote is cancelled out by someone voting against their beliefs 'for money'! That in itself is the biggest problem they are facing.

Halting the elections so that the system can be overhauled to preserve the integrity of their vote is actually showing maximum respect for their vote.

[fab4]

This whole 'respect my vote' movement is a huge joke.

Respect my vote indeed..... Lol.

They they want respect for their vote, they should join the anti-government protests and call out AGAINST the elections.

Under the current system, if they are voting 'respectfully' in support of their political beliefs, their vote is cancelled out by someone voting against their beliefs 'for money'! That in itself is the biggest problem they are facing.

Halting the elections so that the system can be overhauled to preserve the integrity of their vote is actually showing maximum respect for their vote.

"They they want respect for their vote, they should join the anti-government protests and call out AGAINST the elections."

Interesting argument, nonsensical, but interesting.

[pipkins]

This whole 'respect my vote' movement is a huge joke.

Respect my vote indeed..... Lol.

They they want respect for their vote, they should join the anti-government protests and call out AGAINST the elections.

Under the current system, if they are voting 'respectfully' in support of their political beliefs, their vote is cancelled out by someone voting against their beliefs 'for money'! That in itself is the biggest problem they are facing.

Halting the elections so that the system can be overhauled to preserve the integrity of their vote is actually showing maximum respect for their vote.

"They they want respect for their vote, they should join the anti-government protests and call out AGAINST the elections."

Interesting argument, nonsensical, but interesting.

Sheer terror seems to be breaking out amongst Sutheps ranks with the emergence of a sensible and creditable alternative to Yingluk. Which is what we need. A good creditable middle party will bring in the others, then it will be adapt of die.

This would leave the extremists at the far ends of the UDD and PDRC fullfilling roles that the National Front or Monster Raving Looney party in GB fulfill. That ok, in a democracy even the crazies are represented and we can all live with that.

I hear Abes facebook page was taken down as it was reported by some cretins who can use IT. but don't have the thought process to blog effectively. There is a full on shoot the messenger campaign going on now as they have no ideas or policies to bring in support or votes on both extremes.

Anybody enlighten me with some twitter hashes or external links please. We have children here and don't want a civil war that will only lead to a full take over by Suthep or Thaksin. Need to be wary here, if Suthep does not conceede ground and get some middle ground and then loses.... you could really end up with thaksin rule for good.

Well done to all concerned with this movement. It's not redshirt and even if they join, there are plenty on the Red side who would move to the middle and stay.... just as many of BKK's finest are now moving to the middle and away from Suthep.

[Siripon]

This election is a farce and an absolute waste of money because over 11 million, Democrat supporters and 1 million PAD supporters ( voted no last time) have no party to vote for..

I don't blame Apisit for boycotting this election, once Suthep had decided to boycott it the Democrats had no choice, at least half their voter base would have not voted.

Yingluck sounds like a broken record,'let democracy speak, let the people decide', but actually the people have very few choices to choose from in this election, Pheua Thai or someone nobody has ever heard of, or in some cases people actually using the election to promote their company and products,( get the subsidy from the taxpayer for billboards and promote yourself free).

[ramrod711]

The Democrats position right now is:

- We wont participate in elections if we dont win.

They were losing elections long before Thaksin even became a politician and they are one of the parties with the most corruption in their history, decades before Thaksin even came to power.

Maybe its time for them to revise their policies or close down for good.

Probably the only time i will agree with you. "Maybe its time for them to revise their policies or close down for good".

[pipkins]

Not sure how OT this is, but think it should get an airing of a thread.

Voting registrations for Expat thais. Voting is underway but of course no Suthep media is reporting on it. Anymore links etc. would be interesting and it does look as if more Thais are prepared to vote overseas than there are Thais occupying intersections in Bangkok.

http://prachatai.com/english/node/3829?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+prachataienglish+(Prachatai+in+English)

[Moruya]

Not sure how OT this is, but think it should get an airing of a thread.

Voting registrations for Expat thais. Voting is underway but of course no Suthep media is reporting on it. Anymore links etc. would be interesting and it does look as if more Thais are prepared to vote overseas than there are Thais occupying intersections in Bangkok.

http://prachatai.com/english/node/3829?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+prachataienglish+(Prachatai+in+English)

And significantly more protesters than the number of functioning brain cells the sycophant daengophiles on here could collectively muster

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Scamper]

The truth of the matter - lost in the crossfire - is that the right for these people to vote has never been in question. They will doubtless cast their vote on February 2. No one will question their vote. Abhisit never questioned this man's right to vote, and this man knows that. For if he had, it would have been emblazoned on the memories of every Pheu Thai campaign billboard for years to come. That man naturally will vote, and he knows it, and he'll have an army of press with him to prove it - on February 2. And so these votes will be cast, they will be heard, and they will be respected. They will not, one suspects, produce the results they want. On February 2, Thailand will hold the most raucous and violent poll in its history. On that day, some parts of the country will proceed smoothly, some parts less smoothly, and some will be sheer chaos. There are only 69 of 77 provinces in play. It will result in a hung parliament. So the issue is not whether these people's vote will be respected. They will, and they will vote, and their vote will be respected. The issue is that it will result in an administration unable to govern. And that is why reform will take place, whether it is now or in two weeks time, and whether they want it to occur - or not.

[diceq]

This whole 'respect my vote' movement is a huge joke.

Respect my vote indeed..... Lol.

They they want respect for their vote, they should join the anti-government protests and call out AGAINST the elections.

Under the current system, if they are voting 'respectfully' in support of their political beliefs, their vote is cancelled out by someone voting against their beliefs 'for money'! That in itself is the biggest problem they are facing.

Halting the elections so that the system can be overhauled to preserve the integrity of their vote is actually showing maximum respect for their vote.

"They they want respect for their vote, they should join the anti-government protests and call out AGAINST the elections."

Interesting argument, nonsensical, but interesting.

War is peace and slavery is freedom.

[Ulic]

Just maybe this is the start of a political party/ movement that has the moral/ethical authority to reform politics in

Thailand and weed out the corruption. Certainly the two main protagonist groups don't. It seems Thais are ready

for change. At least the middle guys are, the small business owners that get squeezed by the Bib and government

bureaucracies and don't benefit from big government projects.

[fab4]

The truth of the matter - lost in the crossfire - is that the right for these people to vote has never been in question. They will doubtless cast their vote on February 2. No one will question their vote. Abhisit never questioned this man's right to vote, and this man knows that. For if he had, it would have been emblazoned on the memories of every Pheu Thai campaign billboard for years to come. That man naturally will vote, and he knows it, and he'll have an army of press with him to prove it - on February 2. And so these votes will be cast, they will be heard, and they will be respected. They will not, one suspects, produce the results they want. On February 2, Thailand will hold the most raucous and violent poll in its history. On that day, some parts of the country will proceed smoothly, some parts less smoothly, and some will be sheer chaos. There are only 69 of 77 provinces in play. It will result in a hung parliament. So the issue is not whether these people's vote will be respected. They will, and they will vote, and their vote will be respected. The issue is that it will result in an administration unable to govern. And that is why reform will take place, whether it is now or in two weeks time, and whether they want it to occur - or not.

And the 8 provinces where candidates have not been able to register - what about the people who wish to vote there? Is their vote being respected? And if, as you keep on repeating ad nauseum, a government will not be able to function, what respect has been given to the votes of the people who put that government in place?

Regardless of how you try and spin it, scamper, you are clutching at straws desperately trying to legitamise the undemocratic actions of a failed political party, its members and its misguided supporters.