New Thai Red Shirts leader Jatuporn warns of battle ahead

[webfact]

New Thai Red Shirts leader warns of battle ahead

BANGKOK, March 17, 2014 (AFP) - A firebrand hardliner who was a core leader of Thailand's Red Shirts in the country's massive 2010 protests has been chosen to head the pro-government movement, saying Sunday that a "big fight" lay ahead.

Former MP Jatuporn Prompan, facing terrorism charges in an ongoing trial related to the 2010 uprising, told AFP that any new Red Shirt tactics would be "peaceful".

"We have to discuss our strategy," Jatuporn told AFP on Sunday. "The next battle will be big."

He ruled out violence, saying that any new strategy would involve "no weapons".

Jatuporn took the helm as chairman from previous Red Shirt leader Tida Tawornseth at a gathering of 10,000 supporters in Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, on Saturday.

Bangkok has been rocked by months of mass protests calling for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step aside in favour of an unelected "people's council" to tackle what opponents see as a culture of money-driven politics.

The backdrop is a longstanding struggle between a royalist establishment, backed by the judiciary and the military, and Yingluck's billionaire family which has strong support in the northern half of Thailand.

Protests accuse Yingluck's elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra -- a tycoon-turned-premier who was ousted from office by royalist generals in 2006 -- of running the government from overseas, where he lives to avoid a jail term for corruption.

Yingluck currently faces charges of negligence from Thailand's anti-corruption body which could lead to her being removed from office.

Her administration has limited caretaker powers because opposition demonstrators disrupted a general election last month.

But despite the government's embattled situation, Jatuporn said the opposition, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, "cannot achieve success".

"In 2006 they used a military coup. In 2007 and 2008 they used independent organisations like the constitutional court. Now they used a people's revolution led by Suthep but it did not succeed," Jatuporn said.

After bringing parts of Bangkok to a standstill in a self-styled "shutdown", the opposition protesters have now rowed back their presence, instead basing themselves in a park in the city centre.

The current crisis has led to a spike in political violence, often targeting protesters, which has left 23 people dead and hundreds wounded.

The unrest is the worst since Thaksin-allied Red Shirt anti-government rallies in 2010 sparked clashes and a bloody military crackdown in which more than 90 people died.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-03-17

[Somtamnication]

And here we go again. Like a dog chasing its tail. Thai politics!

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

In a normal country he would be in jail by now.

[Robby nz]

That AFP outfit does some great copy and paste to fill up space.

Saw a better report on Jatuporns announcement elsewhere and it looked more like a threat than a warning.

It also must be remembered that he and his offsider have a date with the court soon to explain why their bail should not be revoked, likely that will go against them then what will his followers (for want of a better word) do ?

Also see Ko tee or someone using the name has come out with an inflametory letter stirring things up even more.

Thaksin is desperate to try to get the army to stage a coup so he can get his armed reds out. Not going to happen the brass know what he is up to.

[Yunla]

told AFP that any new Red Shirt tactics would be "peaceful".

On the surface.

Just like a swan swimming elegantly, it radiates a sense of stillness and peace as it glides along. But under the water surface, there is frenzied activity as the powerful legs thrash about unseen.

[djjamie]

In a normal country he would be in jail by now.

Yep, but apparently Dubai was a better option.

[chooka]

Could be real problems ahead the reds want to protest and Suthep his telling his band to be ready because the reds have no right to protest and they must be stopped. Both these nutcase leaders should be arrested and a stop put to all this childish nonsense. Both sides are as violent and irrational as each other and if the meet then it could explode.

[jonclark]

So, was he elected to the head position in a transparent and democratic manner - or not.

Just asking as you'd think the UDD would practice what it preaches!

[smedly]

so all they could muster was a few thousand red supporters for this major rally - speaks for itself

PDRC can get that many on a real bad day and by the million when called for - also speaks for itself

[Curt1591]

Inflammatory rhetoric is being spewed, ad nauseum, by both sides.

Suthep is the king of innuendo, hands down!

[thesetat2013]

Lets see! A known terrorist has just taken control of the most violent sector in the PTP who are also known for their acts of terrorism and violence in regards to burning down Bkk. Does anyone else see something wrong with Jatuporns statement that he will have the UDD fight using peaceful methods?

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[kuthow]

So, was he elected to the head position in a transparent and democratic manner - or not.

Just asking as you'd think the UDD would practice what it preaches!

He was not elected by the rank and file red shirts or even selected by a committee of the red shirt leaders.

He was appointed to the position by a single individual.

Jatuporn to become new UDD leader

AYUTTHAYA: -- Jatuporn Prompan was named the new chairman of the redshirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Announcing the appointment by UDD chairwoman Mrs Thida Thawornseth

[Tatsujin]

>"...A firebrand hardliner..."

If that is correct, what does that make AV, and Chuan Leekpai, etc., etc.

The Media just cannot help itself, trying to denigrate leadership of the electoral majority elements.

Makes me so respectful of the Thai electorate, who see through this smoke.

Heard an interesting point from some Red Shirts this morning...With Thida marginally removed from UDD Leadership, although still the leading theoretician, could pave the way back for my hero, Arisman....The guy who initially knocked AV off his unelected, pretentious pedestal in Pattaya. Apparently Arisman and Thida were not the best of buddies.

"The backdrop is a longstanding struggle between a royalist establishment, backed by the judiciary and the military, and Yingluck's billionaire family which has strong support in the northern half of Thailand"

As usual, the media will always couch historical context within its' desired spin.......The struggle referenced in above quote was not with "Yingluck's billionaire family", but with the electoral Majority.

The unelectable PAD-Dem's and anti-Democrats always try to hide their electoral futility and anti-Democracy impulses, and all the reasons for that, via misleading contextualization.

Informed electoral observers and Political junkies are not fooled.

Who's been writing your recent posts for you? Your "language" and "writing style" seem to have changed considerably.

[PepperMe]

Could be real problems ahead the reds want to protest and Suthep his telling his band to be ready because the reds have no right to protest and they must be stopped. Both these nutcase leaders should be arrested and a stop put to all this childish nonsense. Both sides are as violent and irrational as each other and if the meet then it could explode.

You can't even put Suthep in the same ball park.

He has never urged anyone to destroy BKK or arm themselves for a war.

He has urged civil disobedience such as blocking road (which has probably saved about 50 lives by preventing road accidents), He has interrupted work of a government that is widely seen as corrupt, ineffective and illegitimate.

He has not called for arms and slaughter, he has not called for an attack on the army, he has not called for 1 million Lts of petrol to burn Bangkok.

That is the glaring difference.

The red shirts are a breed on their ow, they are violent as they come and would not hesitate to slaughter innocent men women and children in an attempt to turn the 'locals' against the rallies, they tried that remember in Trat and BKK, didn't work did it..... The locals all knew who was behind it.... Almost certainly a certain Mr Ko Tee, probably on the orders of the UDD as a strategy which like most things they got wrong.

We all know they are going to attack the constitutional court, and the NACC.

We know they will attempt to murder all the judges who dare vote against YL.

We know they will unleash Ko Tee on the army in another attempt to crush them..... haha

We know that red shirts will be sacrificed by the dozen as 'martyrs'.

Everyone can see through the red movement, and they are ready for it.... Make no mistake.... They are ready.

Ko Tee will not be bankrolled by Thaksin, he is probably a thorn in Thaksin's side.... Thaksin will likely have him 'silenced' if he continues to show the UDD's hand.

[chooka]

Could be real problems ahead the reds want to protest and Suthep his telling his band to be ready because the reds have no right to protest and they must be stopped. Both these nutcase leaders should be arrested and a stop put to all this childish nonsense. Both sides are as violent and irrational as each other and if the meet then it could explode.

You can't even put Suthep in the same ball park.

He has never urged anyone to destroy BKK or arm themselves for a war.

He has urged civil disobedience such as blocking road (which has probably saved about 50 lives by preventing road accidents), He has interrupted work of a government that is widely seen as corrupt, ineffective and illegitimate.

He has not called for arms and slaughter, he has not called for an attack on the army, he has not called for 1 million Lts of petrol to burn Bangkok.

That is the glaring difference.

The red shirts are a breed on their ow, they are violent as they come and would not hesitate to slaughter innocent men women and children in an attempt to turn the 'locals' against the rallies, they tried that remember in Trat and BKK, didn't work did it..... The locals all knew who was behind it.... Almost certainly a certain Mr Ko Tee, probably on the orders of the UDD as a strategy which like most things they got wrong.

We all know they are going to attack the constitutional court, and the NACC.

We know they will attempt to murder all the judges who dare vote against YL.

We know they will unleash Ko Tee on the army in another attempt to crush them..... haha

We know that red shirts will be sacrificed by the dozen as 'martyrs'.

Everyone can see through the red movement, and they are ready for it.... Make no mistake.... They are ready.

Ko Tee will not be bankrolled by Thaksin, he is probably a thorn in Thaksin's side.... Thaksin will likely have him 'silenced' if he continues to show the UDD's hand.

Who is ordering the destruction of Bangkok, he is calling for a peaceful protest the same as Suthep.

[ezzra]

Spoken like a true conqueror, modern day Hannibal. the new Napoleon if you like...

and they want to have peace in Thailand with such proclamations..... animals...

[worgeordie]

Putting a megalomaniac in the making, in charge of a group of

violent, mindless people ,does not bode good for the future of

Thailand.

regards Worgeordie

[Valentine]

>"...A firebrand hardliner..."

If that is correct, what does that make AV, and Chuan Leekpai, etc., etc.

The Media just cannot help itself, trying to denigrate leadership of the electoral majority elements.

Makes me so respectful of the Thai electorate, who see through this smoke.

Heard an interesting point from some Red Shirts this morning...With Thida marginally removed from UDD Leadership, although still the leading theoretician, could pave the way back for my hero, Arisman....The guy who initially knocked AV off his unelected, pretentious pedestal in Pattaya. Apparently Arisman and Thida were not the best of buddies.

"The backdrop is a longstanding struggle between a royalist establishment, backed by the judiciary and the military, and Yingluck's billionaire family which has strong support in the northern half of Thailand"

As usual, the media will always couch historical context within its' desired spin.......The struggle referenced in above quote was not with "Yingluck's billionaire family", but with the electoral Majority.

The unelectable PAD-Dem's and anti-Democrats always try to hide their electoral futility and anti-Democracy impulses, and all the reasons for that, via misleading contextualization.

Informed electoral observers and Political junkies are not fooled.

Who's been writing your recent posts for you? Your "language" and "writing style" seem to have changed considerably.

His latest post seems more like out & out trolling. Insinuating AV & Chuan are firebrand hardliners & stating Arisman (the latest airline magnate) is his hero are way over the top. The protests are not against the people, they are against the Shins & the rampant corruption spawned by them which is way above & beyond anything previously (I am not condoning corruption by any previous government).

[dru2]

>"...A firebrand hardliner..."

If that is correct, what does that make AV, and Chuan Leekpai, etc., etc.

The Media just cannot help itself, trying to denigrate leadership of the electoral majority elements.

Makes me so respectful of the Thai electorate, who see through this smoke.

Heard an interesting point from some Red Shirts this morning...With Thida marginally removed from UDD Leadership, although still the leading theoretician, could pave the way back for my hero, Arisman....The guy who initially knocked AV off his unelected, pretentious pedestal in Pattaya. Apparently Arisman and Thida were not the best of buddies.

"The backdrop is a longstanding struggle between a royalist establishment, backed by the judiciary and the military, and Yingluck's billionaire family which has strong support in the northern half of Thailand"

As usual, the media will always couch historical context within its' desired spin.......The struggle referenced in above quote was not with "Yingluck's billionaire family", but with the electoral Majority.

The unelectable PAD-Dem's and anti-Democrats always try to hide their electoral futility and anti-Democracy impulses, and all the reasons for that, via misleading contextualization.

Informed electoral observers and Political junkies are not fooled.

Just to confirm: You are suggesting Chuan Leekpai is or was 'a firebrand hardliner'? Chuan Leekpai? And this nonsense qualifies you as an 'informed electoral observer'?

Edited March 17, 2014 by dru2

[Morch]

>"...A firebrand hardliner..."

If that is correct, what does that make AV, and Chuan Leekpai, etc., etc.

fire-brand

noun \-ˌbrand\

: a person who tries to get people to become angry and to do things for a political or social cause

: a piece of burning wood

: one that creates unrest or strife (as in aggressively promoting a cause) : agitator

Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chuan Leekpai are many things, but one would be really hard pressed to describe either as "firebrand hardliner".

[klauskunkel]

>"...A firebrand hardliner..."

If that is correct, what does that make AV, and Chuan Leekpai, etc., etc.

The Media just cannot help itself, trying to denigrate leadership of the electoral majority elements.

Makes me so respectful of the Thai electorate, who see through this smoke.

Heard an interesting point from some Red Shirts this morning...With Thida marginally removed from UDD Leadership, although still the leading theoretician, could pave the way back for my hero, Arisman....The guy who initially knocked AV off his unelected, pretentious pedestal in Pattaya. Apparently Arisman and Thida were not the best of buddies.

"The backdrop is a longstanding struggle between a royalist establishment, backed by the judiciary and the military, and Yingluck's billionaire family which has strong support in the northern half of Thailand"

As usual, the media will always couch historical context within its' desired spin.......The struggle referenced in above quote was not with "Yingluck's billionaire family", but with the electoral Majority.

The unelectable PAD-Dem's and anti-Democrats always try to hide their electoral futility and anti-Democracy impulses, and all the reasons for that, via misleading contextualization.

Informed electoral observers and Political junkies are not fooled.

Who's been writing your recent posts for you? Your "language" and "writing style" seem to have changed considerably.

Well, he still uses favorite terms like "denigrate", which occur in 90% of his posts, that and him announcing Arisman as his hero (I can't determine if this was ironic...) makes me believe this is a genuine "Frysian boppe" post, valued on the open market at 5.95 baht. But, you are right, it seems less convoluted, however, more poetic in style: "pretentious pedestal in Pattaya" a real gem for an alliteration.

[HonestQuietBob]

so all they could muster was a few thousand red supporters for this major rally - speaks for itself

PDRC can get that many on a real bad day and by the million when called for - also speaks for itself

Best PDRC ever got was 150 - 200 thousand, which is reasonably impressive.

(At least your 1 million is not as ridiculous as the previously claimed 6 million)

But then they morphed into something unacceptable to a lot of the original anti - amnesty bill people who could not abide the change. Since then, they've never come close to breaking 10 thousand again (of which over 2,300 are paid guards).

As for the Reds, they are a sleeping giant. Should they awaken and decide to visit Bangkok expect over 200 thousand and probably a lot of bad news for everyone.

Better for Suthep to crawl away into the dark and leave the Reds to sleep.

[Luk Mhee]

Because u gonna LOOSE! And we wanna stay a KINGDOM and not a REPUBLIC.

[Scamper]

Considering what Jatuporn was responsible for in 2010, it is jaw-dropping that he considers himself a role model in any department. Jatuporn has been only one thing over the years - Thaksin's most unreservedly and blindingly loyal supporter. He is also quite rich from Thai standards, a circumstance that likely has nothing to do with coincidence. His trademark is wild-conspiracy theories, an addiction to rewriting the past, a studied blindness to what he doesn't want to see, and a knack for constructing whatever narrative will suit his ends, no matter how far-fetched or removed from reality it is. He is the hard-core red shirt, a man so driven by his objective that he no longer has the time or patience for the truth. Jatuporn has never had any interest in democracy. He is interested in power, and there is so question that he sees himself much as Thaksin see himself - as being a special league above the masses. Within the UDD is a hierarchical structure. The leaders may eat pork noodle soup with the downtrodden, but at the end of the day they retreat to the comfort of one of a luxurious existence. Jatuporn's rhetorical targets are intertwined with Thaksin's - and they are scrupulously unvaried. He always goes after the independent agencies and the judiciary. His reasons are the same as Thaksin's - these have always been the impediments to Thaksin's return. Somehow, he has to convince his followers that the judicial system is the foe of democracy and that democracy is served by their eradication. Fortunately for him, and for Thaksin - people have been so indoctrinated over the years by a steady daily diet of red-shirt radio that none of that is even slightly questioned. Thaksin has invested much care over the years into UDD radio. Because of Thaksin's rise to wealth through the telecom industry he knows full well the power of the media to shape thought. So his investment in radio has allowed him to cater to the most wild-eyed of UDD radio disk jockeys. But the relationship of Thaksin to the UDD remains complex. They are now not so much supporters of each other as much as tacitly acknowledge that they need each other. It is a pragmatic relationship.The UDD privately recognizes that in their need to keep their narrative together of an oppressed people at the mercy of the elite - that Thaksin's massive wealth has always been the elephant in the room. And yet the UDD need Thaksin as he is the magnet that keeps the movement together. But why does Thaksin need the UDD ? Simply put - he can't survive without them.

[Just1Voice]

Because u gonna LOOSE! And we wanna stay a KINGDOM and not a REPUBLIC.

Go outside, walk down the street and ask the first 1,000 people you meet if they know the difference between Kingdom and Republic, and count how many blank stares you get.

[HonestQuietBob]

Considering what Jatuporn was responsible for in 2010, it is jaw-dropping that he considers himself a role model in any department. Jatuporn has been only one thing over the years - Thaksin's most unreservedly and blindingly loyal supporter. He is also quite rich from Thai standards, a circumstance that likely has nothing to do with coincidence. His trademark is wild-conspiracy theories, an addiction to rewriting the past, a studied blindness to what he doesn't want to see, and a knack for constructing whatever narrative will suit his ends, no matter how far-fetched or removed from reality it is. He is the hard-core red shirt, a man so driven by his objective that he no longer has the time or patience for the truth. Jatuporn has never had any interest in democracy. He is interested in power, and there is so question that he sees himself much as Thaksin see himself - as being a special league above the masses. Within the UDD is a hierarchical structure. The leaders may eat pork noodle soup with the downtrodden, but at the end of the day they retreat to the comfort of one of a luxurious existence. Jatuporn's rhetorical targets are intertwined with Thaksin's - and they are scrupulously unvaried. He always goes after the independent agencies and the judiciary. His reasons are the same as Thaksin's - these have always been the impediments to Thaksin's return. Somehow, he has to convince his followers that the judicial system is the foe of democracy and that democracy is served by their eradication. Fortunately for him, and for Thaksin - people have been so indoctrinated over the years by a steady daily diet of red-shirt radio that none of that is even slightly questioned. Thaksin has invested much care over the years into UDD radio. Because of Thaksin's rise to wealth through the telecom industry he knows full well the power of the media to shape thought. So his investment in radio has allowed him to cater to the most wild-eyed of UDD radio disk jockeys. But the relationship of Thaksin to the UDD remains complex. They are now not so much supporters of each other as much as tacitly acknowledge that they need each other. It is a pragmatic relationship.The UDD privately recognizes that in their need to keep their narrative together of an oppressed people at the mercy of the elite - that Thaksin's massive wealth has always been the elephant in the room. And yet the UDD need Thaksin as he is the magnet that keeps the movement together. But why does Thaksin need the UDD ? Simply put - he can't survive without them.

Jutaporn is a freedom fighter and hero to the masses.

Enough said.

[lostmebike]

One bonus from the report is we didn't have to suffer a photo of his ugly mug.

[Baerboxer]

>"...A firebrand hardliner..."

If that is correct, what does that make AV, and Chuan Leekpai, etc., etc.

The Media just cannot help itself, trying to denigrate leadership of the electoral majority elements.

Makes me so respectful of the Thai electorate, who see through this smoke.

Heard an interesting point from some Red Shirts this morning...With Thida marginally removed from UDD Leadership, although still the leading theoretician, could pave the way back for my hero, Arisman....The guy who initially knocked AV off his unelected, pretentious pedestal in Pattaya. Apparently Arisman and Thida were not the best of buddies.

"The backdrop is a longstanding struggle between a royalist establishment, backed by the judiciary and the military, and Yingluck's billionaire family which has strong support in the northern half of Thailand"

As usual, the media will always couch historical context within its' desired spin.......The struggle referenced in above quote was not with "Yingluck's billionaire family", but with the electoral Majority.

The unelectable PAD-Dem's and anti-Democrats always try to hide their electoral futility and anti-Democracy impulses, and all the reasons for that, via misleading contextualization.

Informed electoral observers and Political junkies are not fooled.

AFP make Fox news look objective and accurate.

They fail to mention that this guy is out on bail, the terms of which he appears to have breached and must appear in court to answer. The seem to have inflated the numbers at the recent rally which was reported as around 6k. Or that the UDD leaders are not elected but self appointed warlords. Wasn't this gentleman "offered" the UDD leadership several months ago when comrade Thida wanted out? But refused it on ill health grounds? As for Arisman, he's probably too busy establishing his new airline empire, or trying to work out how he can account for the marital increase in wealth that will fund it.

The Shinawatra family are billionaires - don't you read Forbes? Their family wealth has increased 450% since their family took office. And, the YL government cleverly managed to return 1 billion baht to her criminal convicted fugitive brother, which he openly bragged about to Forbes. Not bad when you consider the plight of the farmers and the amount of unaccounted monies from the rice pledging and other schemes.

There is no factual evidence to suggest the UDD represent an electoral majority. PTP received a large minority vote in 2011 and they were asked to form a government on this basis. I know that's an awkward fact for you blind PTP supporters to ever acknowledge but it is never the less a fact. PTP have always stayed well away from any kind of referendums - guess why.

AFP do have the consolation that certain posters on here like to ignore the facts even more that they do when repeating rs re-writes of history. Thaksin, Hun Set, Robert Mugabe - all champions of democracy, justice and the people, Also all very rich, unaccountable and with shady pasts.

[Baerboxer]

Considering what Jatuporn was responsible for in 2010, it is jaw-dropping that he considers himself a role model in any department. Jatuporn has been only one thing over the years - Thaksin's most unreservedly and blindingly loyal supporter. He is also quite rich from Thai standards, a circumstance that likely has nothing to do with coincidence. His trademark is wild-conspiracy theories, an addiction to rewriting the past, a studied blindness to what he doesn't want to see, and a knack for constructing whatever narrative will suit his ends, no matter how far-fetched or removed from reality it is. He is the hard-core red shirt, a man so driven by his objective that he no longer has the time or patience for the truth. Jatuporn has never had any interest in democracy. He is interested in power, and there is so question that he sees himself much as Thaksin see himself - as being a special league above the masses. Within the UDD is a hierarchical structure. The leaders may eat pork noodle soup with the downtrodden, but at the end of the day they retreat to the comfort of one of a luxurious existence. Jatuporn's rhetorical targets are intertwined with Thaksin's - and they are scrupulously unvaried. He always goes after the independent agencies and the judiciary. His reasons are the same as Thaksin's - these have always been the impediments to Thaksin's return. Somehow, he has to convince his followers that the judicial system is the foe of democracy and that democracy is served by their eradication. Fortunately for him, and for Thaksin - people have been so indoctrinated over the years by a steady daily diet of red-shirt radio that none of that is even slightly questioned. Thaksin has invested much care over the years into UDD radio. Because of Thaksin's rise to wealth through the telecom industry he knows full well the power of the media to shape thought. So his investment in radio has allowed him to cater to the most wild-eyed of UDD radio disk jockeys. But the relationship of Thaksin to the UDD remains complex. They are now not so much supporters of each other as much as tacitly acknowledge that they need each other. It is a pragmatic relationship.The UDD privately recognizes that in their need to keep their narrative together of an oppressed people at the mercy of the elite - that Thaksin's massive wealth has always been the elephant in the room. And yet the UDD need Thaksin as he is the magnet that keeps the movement together. But why does Thaksin need the UDD ? Simply put - he can't survive without them.

Jutaporn is a freedom fighter and hero to the masses.

Enough said.

UDD are not the masses, have never held any kind of majority and are not representative of any apart from their members.

His idea of freedom is the establishment of a new ruling elite - of which he is one of course.

Self appointed thug, who likes to lead from the rear when the trouble starts, out on bail for terrorism, with no record of doing anything for anyone other than himself!

[lostmebike]

Considering what Jatuporn was responsible for in 2010, it is jaw-dropping that he considers himself a role model in any department. Jatuporn has been only one thing over the years - Thaksin's most unreservedly and blindingly loyal supporter. He is also quite rich from Thai standards, a circumstance that likely has nothing to do with coincidence. His trademark is wild-conspiracy theories, an addiction to rewriting the past, a studied blindness to what he doesn't want to see, and a knack for constructing whatever narrative will suit his ends, no matter how far-fetched or removed from reality it is. He is the hard-core red shirt, a man so driven by his objective that he no longer has the time or patience for the truth. Jatuporn has never had any interest in democracy. He is interested in power, and there is so question that he sees himself much as Thaksin see himself - as being a special league above the masses. Within the UDD is a hierarchical structure. The leaders may eat pork noodle soup with the downtrodden, but at the end of the day they retreat to the comfort of one of a luxurious existence. Jatuporn's rhetorical targets are intertwined with Thaksin's - and they are scrupulously unvaried. He always goes after the independent agencies and the judiciary. His reasons are the same as Thaksin's - these have always been the impediments to Thaksin's return. Somehow, he has to convince his followers that the judicial system is the foe of democracy and that democracy is served by their eradication. Fortunately for him, and for Thaksin - people have been so indoctrinated over the years by a steady daily diet of red-shirt radio that none of that is even slightly questioned. Thaksin has invested much care over the years into UDD radio. Because of Thaksin's rise to wealth through the telecom industry he knows full well the power of the media to shape thought. So his investment in radio has allowed him to cater to the most wild-eyed of UDD radio disk jockeys. But the relationship of Thaksin to the UDD remains complex. They are now not so much supporters of each other as much as tacitly acknowledge that they need each other. It is a pragmatic relationship.The UDD privately recognizes that in their need to keep their narrative together of an oppressed people at the mercy of the elite - that Thaksin's massive wealth has always been the elephant in the room. And yet the UDD need Thaksin as he is the magnet that keeps the movement together. But why does Thaksin need the UDD ? Simply put - he can't survive without them.

Jutaporn is a freedom fighter and hero to the masses.

Enough said.

Freedom fighter???

I'm no yellow, pink or any bloody colour for that matter but that man is nothing more than a THUG.