Thai northeast vows poll payback to Shinawatra clan

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Thai northeast vows poll payback to Shinawatra clan
by Aidan JONES

UDON THANI, January 31, 2014 (AFP) - In Thailand's wealthy capital, embattled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra rarely ventures out in public because of fears for her safety. But in much of the vast rural northeast, her billionaire family are heroes.

The stark contrast reflects a deep political split between the government's northern strongholds and opposition heartlands where anti-government protesters are threatening to block polling stations on Sunday to prevent Yingluck's re-election.

Voters in the northeastern region of Isaan, home to a third of the population, have propelled three successive Shinawatra-backed governments to office -- the first in 2001 led by Yingluck's elder brother Thaksin.

In the sleepy, sun-baked village of Baan Dong Yaang in Udon Thani province, villagers say their loyalty to Thaksin is just reward for the cash and care he has lavished on Thailand's poorest region.

Residents rattle through a list of Thaksin's good deeds that have transformed their fortunes, including rice farming subsidies, universal healthcare, job-generating micro-loans and university scholarships for the poor.

"Before Thaksin, no politicians came here," said 47-year-old Somsamai Paporn, showing off her array of red T-shirts dedicated to the Shinawatra siblings.

"Thaksin understood our situation and helped us. Now we want to help him."

Thaksin, a controversial tycoon-turned-politician, was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and lives overseas to avoid jail for a corruption conviction he says was politically motivated.

His sister Yingluck's Puea Thai party swept to power in 2011 on a wave of support among the ousted leader's "Red Shirts" supporters. Her critics accuse her of being a puppet for her brother.

Somsamai said insults by protest leaders in Bangkok have tightened the bond between Thailand's poorest people and its most prominent political outcast.

"They say Isaan people are stupid and lazy. But we are the bones of the country. We grow the rice they eat in Bangkok. We build those beautiful buildings they live in," she said with tears in her eyes.

"It is painful that they hate us. But don't worry -- now we hate them too."

'Thaksinomics'
Somsamai said her family eked out a living until receiving a $300 micro-loan in 2006, courtesy of a fund established in every village by Thaksin.

It enabled her to expand her general store, build a bigger house and begin saving for the first time.

She has also benefited from a landmark "30 baht" (one dollar) scheme bringing access to healthcare to all.

Such policies, dubbed "Thaksinomics", have boosted the fortunes of many in Thailand's long-neglected north and northeast.

New family mansions, gleaming shopping malls and car showrooms reflect the wealth that has poured in over the past decade, although poverty remains stubbornly high in some areas.

Between 2001 and 2011, Isaan's Gross Domestic Product per capita more than doubled to $1,475, according to official statistics.
Over the same period, GDP in the Bangkok area soared from $7,900 to nearly $13,000.

But to the anti-government opponents in the capital, Thaksinomics has poisoned the kingdom.

His critics say the former telecoms magnate has siphoned off taxpayers' cash to buy the loyalty of an uneducated and easily manipulated voter bloc.

They accuse Thaksin of orchestrating an assault on the Thai social order, which is headed by the nation's revered but elderly king and supported by the Bangkok-based establishment.

A rice subsidy scheme has also become a lightning rod for anger among anti-government protesters who say it engendered widespread graft, punched a hole in the Thai public finances and knocked the kingdom from its position as the world's top rice exporter.

Even in Isaan some farmers now grumble about late payments for rice delivery, but so far there are few signs of a mass defection from the Shinawatras.

Trouble ahead?
Analysts warn the political divide may be pushing Thailand to the edge of a precipice.

Protesters, who want Yingluck to step down to make way for an unelected "people's council" to oversee reforms, have occupied key government buildings and forced Yingluck to work from undisclosed locations around the capital.

Ten people have died and dozens more have been wounded in clashes, grenade attacks and drive-by shootings in political violence in recent weeks.

The deep split "could lead to a violent but low-intensity civil war," warned Paul Chambers, director of research at the Institute of South East Asian Affairs at Chiang Mai University in northern Thailand.

In 2010, scores died in an army crackdown in central Bangkok on a Red Shirt rally against the previous government, which came to power by parliamentary vote after the courts ousted Thaksin's allies.

Anger is again building in the Red Shirts' heartland of Udon Thani, where radio host Kwanchai Pripana, a leading figure behind the 2010 rallies, was shot in the arm and leg when his house was sprayed with bullets by unknown gunmen last week.

Speaking to AFP from his hospital bed, where he is under 24-hour armed guard, Kwanchai predicted Puea Thai would sweep to victory on Sunday.

And he warned that the Red Shirts would refuse to accept the result being overturned by Thailand's notoriously interventionist courts.

"We will come out and obstruct, with the people's forces, just like we did in 2010. We fought against the tanks of the soldiers, we will fight," he said. "This time we will not surrender."


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-01-31

[rogerdee123]

Brainwashed into believing that any positive development in their area is a result of Thaksin and PTP.

[TVGerry]

Funny they should mention a poor shopkeeper eking out a living with the extra 300 dollars and the gleaming new mansions in the same article. I wonder who are the ones staying in the new mansions and buying the new cars from the car showrooms.

And it's typical AFP bias on this article, they mention the grenade and shooting attacks but purposely leave out the part where it is the protestors who are the ones getting attacked, They of course remembered to write about the red shirt leader who got shot and lived while ignoring the protest leader who didn't.

Edited January 31, 2014 by TVGerry

[CelticBhoy]

"Residents rattle through a list of Thaksin's good deeds that have transformed their fortunes, including rice farming subsidies"

Surely this is a pss take. Nobody can be this dim.

[spirit47]

Who shot Kwanchai? Another red gang?

[PREM-R]

Brainwashed into believing that any positive development in their area is a result of Thaksin and PTP.

Or perhaps they had been lied to by other political parties for decades and got no investment in their areas but then Thaksin came along, said he would do something, and did it. No brain washing required, they just look around them and see what a difference Thaksin governments have made to their lives.

[Snig27]

Brainwashed into believing that any positive development in their area is a result of Thaksin and PTP.

So you reckon that all northerners are stupid, huh? Happily they have the chanting, whistle blowing, independent thinking mob in Bangkok to look after them - once they've finished handing over their savings to a man who has some vague totalitarian concept of a non-elected council, headed by him of course, who will guide the nation. On available evidence, the north seems to be slightly more worldwise.

[Emptyset]

"Residents rattle through a list of Thaksin's good deeds that have transformed their fortunes, including rice farming subsidies"

Surely this is a pss take. Nobody can be this dim.

Huh? Dim for believing it's all down to Thaksin personally maybe, but not dim about the benefits they've received since he first came to power. Surely they're capable of working out whether they're materially better off or not?

[Snig27]

"Residents rattle through a list of Thaksin's good deeds that have transformed their fortunes, including rice farming subsidies"

Surely this is a pss take. Nobody can be this dim.

They're "buffalos" right?

[bapak]

Wasn't the 30 Baht Healtrhcare program initiated by the Democrats?

[rogerdee123]

Brainwashed into believing that any positive development in their area is a result of Thaksin and PTP.

Or perhaps they had been lied to by other political parties for decades and got no investment in their areas but then Thaksin came along, said he would do something, and did it. No brain washing required, they just look around them and see what a difference Thaksin governments have made to their lives.

There have been many politicians and leaders from Issan who have no political ties to Thaksin or PTP and who have done a lot for the region. They just don't go around beating their chests and lying about it in order to gain some advantage .... or a few more billion.

[Emptyset]

"Residents rattle through a list of Thaksin's good deeds that have transformed their fortunes, including rice farming subsidies"

Surely this is a pss take. Nobody can be this dim.

They're "buffalos" right?

The truly "dim" people imo are the elites that are pouring funding into Suthep's crusade. There are ways to beat Thaksin, but it doesn't involve funding movements like this. This is just pushing people back into his arms when they were in the process of gradually moving away from him.

[willem1946]

Brainwashed into believing that any positive development in their area is a result of Thaksin and PTP.

oh yes it was

[pipkins]

Did a media involved with the Nation really just say.

"Thailand's Notoriously Interventionalist Courts" Wow... change really is in the air today. Bring on more reform I say and the sooner the better!!!

Of course though, this is not the type of reform been mooted by Suthep, Army, Dems, Elite, Courts is it. But it is a start when the above description of the Courts is bandied about as if it is accepted fact!

[Songhua]

'Thaksins good deeds that have transformed their fortunes, including rice farming subsidies'...

Apparently these interviews were not conducted in the recent past.

[dcutman]

Funny, many/most of the people I have talked to from Issan think of the Shin Clan as the waste from the south end of a north bound buffalo.

[77Dan]

Funny they should mention a poor shopkeeper eking out a living with the extra 300 dollars and the gleaming new mansions in the same article. I wonder who are the ones staying in the new mansions and buying the new cars from the car showrooms.

And it's typical AFP bias on this article, they mention the grenade and shooting attacks but purposely leave out the part where it is the protestors who are the ones getting attacked, They of course remembered to write about the red shirt leader who got shot and lived while ignoring the protest leader who didn't.

But they weren't all protesters who were attacked. One of the dead people was a policeman while Red Shirts were also among the victims in the incident at Ramkhamhaeng. This story is about the Red Shirts so it's natural to interview a Red Shirt leader. Other articles have interviewed the anti-government protest leaders. With respect I think it's you who is biased, and disappointed that the coverage isn't more pro-Suthep.

[LuckyLew]

Amazing that people can be so obtuse and blind, they worship a person who should be charged with crimes against humanity. Such a sad statement for Thailand and its people.

[Mosha]

Wasn't the 30 Baht Healtrhcare program initiated by the Democrats?

I think the Dems 1st considered it, but shelved it.TRT I belive brought it in. Then post coup The Dems announced because of administration, it cost 80 Baht to collect 30. So the Dems reverted to a free of charge system

[Cuchulainn]

money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money

[siampolee]

The Shinwatra clan would do well to remember the old English saying below.

''There aren't any mugs in the country unless you bring your own.''

[Why ask]

"It is painful that they hate us. But don't worry -- now we hate them too."

True Esan Buddhism, from the heart, na krap? ....... which coloured shirts was she proud to display again?

Wear the shirt.... blaspheme....... and go back to what you only think you know, or see Khun Somsamai. Cry when there is no further delivery from what you promise to pay back, to an idiot who once came to visit, and you were hysterical (are).

Hate is a powerful word; one which I didn't believe merit makers portrayed. (Well, I did/do)

[rogerdee123]

This kind of political organization whereby you organize your political base in an "us against them" strategy ..... creating anger and hate ... is a well worn strategy and one that Robert Amsterdam and other "consultants" for 3rd world elections is well known for.

Google 'Saul Alinsky' for some background. He invented this method of political organization ...... which Amsterdam and Thaksin have found so effective in Thailand.

Yes it won Thaksin the election and has made him a hero in the eyes of many of those brainwashed by his network of organizers.

It has also created this current division in Thailand which is killing people and causing so much heartache ... and basically ruining the future.

The political power base is founded on hatred and anger. JUst look at the Red Shirt movement. And use your brain.

Yes indeed Thaksin deserves all the credit for introducing this to ISSAN and for introducing this anger and hatred methodology to the political system in Thailand.

Edited January 31, 2014 by rogerdee123

[pedro01]

"We will come out and obstruct, with the people's forces, just like we did in 2010. We fought against the tanks of the soldiers, we will fight," he said. "This time we will not surrender."

- odd, I never saw Kwanchai on the front lines in 2010.In fact, wasn't he spotted in a McDonalds when one of the 'battle's was going on???

[brewsterbudgen]

money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money

So money's not important to you?

[Tywais]

Wonder how many rice farmers are in agreement?

[Cuchulainn]

money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money money money money money can't see the wood for the trees money money money money

So money's not important to you?

Of course it is. I don't worship it. I don't kill for it. I don't steal for it. I have ethics and morals.

[ggold]

Brainwashed into believing that any positive development in their area is a result of Thaksin and PTP.

Or perhaps they had been lied to by other political parties for decades and got no investment in their areas but then Thaksin came along, said he would do something, and did it. No brain washing required, they just look around them and see what a difference Thaksin governments have made to their lives.

Nice thought but total BS, even a dummy can see that over the last few years the reds have been fed on lies and BS so Thaksin can get his way.

[BlueNoseCodger]

Wonder how many rice farmers are in agreement?

Given the very poor turnout to the PDRC's marches across the north and east, not many farmers believe it is the government that is the problem here (a couple of photos from the last farmer stories I can find on Thai visa). I think the article is pure wishful thinking.

They know what the problem is, PDRC might think they're stupid, but they watch TV. So when this PDRC guy below starts spouting that 300000 voices in Bangkok are worth 15 million votes in the provinces, they know how much these PDRC yobs value them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xtcvkWAMWo

[Fryslan boppe]

"Residents rattle through a list of Thaksin's good deeds that have transformed their fortunes, including rice farming subsidies, universal healthcare, job-generating micro-loans and university scholarships for the poor."

"Rattle through"?....Or just "listed them"...""Rattling through" sounds sort of denigrating, which I'm sure was not intended.

"...to avoid jail for a corruption conviction he says was politically motivated".

And it was...Stands to reason...It was Post-coup....All part of the demonization campaign perped by the coup-mongers of then, in order to justify their 2006 coup...Now, they are trying it again, but the electoral majority will show the effect of this demonization campaign on Sunday.

"Somsamai said insults by protest leaders in Bangkok have tightened the bond between Thailand's poorest people and its most prominent political outcast.

Being coup'ed by unelectables does not make him an "Outcast"...the last election clearly showed who the 'outcasts' are, and will in all likelihood do so again on Sunday.

This quote also diminishes the political awareness of the majority Thai electrate, by suggesting that it is one-dimensional....Just some more PAD-Dem arrogance coming through...They are so convinced they have the market cornered on Political wisdom, that they don't even need to bother tailoring their policies to the countries' diverse electorate...the results of that political blindness will become apparent on Sunday.

"Analysts warn the political divide may be pushing Thailand to the edge of a precipice"

I doubt this is true. ...Perhaps some more PAD-Dem/PDRC/Coup-monger "illusions of grandeur".....Thinking they can eliminate electoral Democracy in order to gain power is not something the majority Thai electorate would countenance.

But in the meantime, their strategy appears to be one of keeping the leadership of the PDRC anti-democrats out of jail, so they can keep the southerners and a few others on the streets, with a peak demo every so often, keeping the pressure on, so their user-friendly courts and "independent" agencies can organize the end of the government.