Thai Red Shirts mobilise to defend besieged PM Yingluck

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Thai Red Shirts mobilise to defend besieged PM
by Aidan JONES

UDON THANI, April 4, 2014 (AFP) - With a flurry of punches and kicks, hundreds of Thai "Red Shirts" undergo self-defence drills as they mobilise to protect the embattled government, stoking fears of a dangerous new phase of civil conflict.

While far from a battle-ready militia, the ranks of sun-weathered rice farmers brim with determination to prevent opposition protesters in Bangkok toppling Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Drawn from the poor but populous north and northeast, the Red Shirts broadly support ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- Yingluck's elder brother.

Their rhetoric has crescendoed over the last few weeks, matching an intensifying barrage of legal challenges that could lead to Yingluck's removal from office.

In anticipation of her fall, the Red Shirts say they will bring hundreds of thousands of supporters to a Bangkok suburb on Saturday for a two-day rally.

The move looks likely to raise the stakes in a six-month political crisis that has left 24 people dead and hundreds wounded in grenade attacks and shootings, often targeting protesters.

A military crackdown on Red Shirt rallies in Bangkok against the previous government in 2010 left scores dead and parts of the city's commercial centre smouldering.

The backdrop is an eight-year struggle between a royalist establishment -- supported by the judiciary and the military -- and Yingluck's family, which has traditionally enjoyed strong support in the northern half of Thailand.

- 'Lion-hearts' -

"We have lion hearts... we are real fighters," local Red leader Kwanchai Pripana told AFP on the sidelines of the training camp in the movement's heartland of Udon Thani on Thursday.

At the camp, around 500 -- mainly middle-aged -- men and women gamely rehearsed Muay Thai boxing moves and parade drills despite the sapping heat.

They have shed their red T-shirts for new black uniforms, in symbolic mourning over a court decision to nullify a February general election disrupted by protesters.

Kwanchai said 40,000 volunteers have already signed up to act as guards for Red Shirt protests, with several further rounds of training planned across the northeastern region of Isaan.

"We are building our strength to learn how to defend ourselves," he said, stressing the volunteers would be unarmed. "If they kill us this time, when one dies, one thousand Red Shirts will be born."

Kwanchai was shot several times at his home in January in what was believed to have been a politically motivated attack. He now periodically needs a wheelchair and has limited use of his right arm.

Still, with fellow firebrand Suporn Attawong -- dubbed "Rambo Isaan" -- he organised the training camp for the "Democracy Protection Volunteers".

Without a swift cooling of tempers on both sides of Thailand's bitter divide, analysts warn more violence lies ahead.

If Yingluck falls, the Red Shirts could seize official buildings and block roads in their strongholds, potentially prompting the army to act to restore order, according to Matthew Wheeler of the International Crisis Group think-tank.

"The prospects for the country look grim in the near term. People feel it's going to get worse before it gets better," he added.

Observers say the Shinawatra family has been holding back its trump card to use in the event Yingluck falls.

She faces neglect of duty charges linked to a loss-making rice subsidy scheme and allegations of abuse of power over the transfer of a top security official.

"Once Thaksin uses the Reds, it may be impossible to control them," said Paul Chambers, director of research at the Institute of South East Asian Affairs at Chiang Mai University.

The movement could become "a sort of bucking bronco," he added.

- Reds rising? -

Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-politician, fled overseas in 2008 to avoid jail for a corruption conviction, but he is seen as pulling the strings behind his sister's premiership and is accused by opponents of nepotism and rampant corruption.

His critics say he uses taxpayers' money to buy the loyalty of rural voters through populist policies.

The Red Shirts fear that the political and economic clout they have gained since Thaksin's emergence in 2001 will now be taken away by Thailand's wealthy establishment.

Broadly representing the Bangkok elite and middle-classes as well as parts of the Thai south, the opposition wants to install an unelected leader to oversee vaguely defined reforms aimed at tackling corruption and rooting out Thaksin's influence.

Sheltering from the baking sun in a covered parade ground in Udon Thani, the Red Shirt volunteers said the time has come to defend their elected premier and their democratic stake in the kingdom's future.

"I voted for Yingluck, now I want to protect her," said Pradit Viengdindam, a 54-year-old street vendor who recently bought life insurance in case his two children are left with no father.

"We need to fight now or the power of our vote will be taken away forever by the elite."


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-04-04

[Tatsujin]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

[MaxLee]

They want to defend their free 500 - 1000 baht daily tea money at all costs, with or without the rice farmers....

[Nickymaster]

At the camp, around 500 -- mainly middle-aged -- men and women gamely rehearsed Muay Thai boxing moves and parade drills despite the sapping heat.

Yeeah sure. Sounds romantic but fact is that Kwanchai has to arm them with war weapons if they are going to fight the army. Which I assume he is doing on the real training camps.

[looping]

Ignorance in action.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[JoePai]

Red Storm Rising - to quote Clancy

[Pimay1]

They have shed their red T-shirts for new black uniforms

There won't be any argument who the men in black are this time around.

[AleG]

"We need to fight now or the power of our vote will be taken away forever by the elite."

He is ready to fight to the death for a lie told by Thaksin's propagandists.

[mrtoad]

The Fascist Thugs controlled by the Dubai Amart to destroy democracy are mobilizing in time for Songkran, just as they did in 2009 and 2010.

[Spalpeen]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

[mrtoad]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

I am sure they know the words "voting" and "democracy", but doubt that they actually have any idea as to what they mean. They certainly do understand fight, battle, burn, lie, steal, intimidate and violence though.

[Bangmod]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

Vote-buying and intimidating isn't the same as voting and democracy, M8

[Mrgk]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

I am sure they know the words "voting" and "democracy", but doubt that they actually have any idea as to what they mean. They certainly do understand fight, battle, burn, lie, steal, intimidate and violence though.

I'd say they have a better understanding of their meaning than most members of the Thai elite.

[Bocking]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

They know the words but probably not the meaning. If Democracy is Driving, then Voting is the Driving Test which PT clearly passed with flying colours ... but once on the Road they forgot to follow the Rules

[mrtoad]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

I am sure they know the words "voting" and "democracy", but doubt that they actually have any idea as to what they mean. They certainly do understand fight, battle, burn, lie, steal, intimidate and violence though.

I'd say they have a better understanding of their meaning than most members of the Thai elite.

Isn't The Desert Coward part of "The Elite"?

[ianf]

Oh Wow! Democracy in Action - red style. Poor brainwashed people. Fed a tissue of lies by the red media and the great propagandist in Dubai. To defenders of Thaksin on this forum, one question: Are you undergoing training too?

[rijit]

They have shed their red T-shirts for new black uniforms

There won't be any argument who the men in black are this time around.

Wasnt much of one last time!

[Local Drunk]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

They know very little actually. They really don't know who they are voting for or why and they certainly have no concept of democracy. Try asking a hot shot like Jutaporn (read that as Red Elite) to define democracy. He'd say, "fight and battle" before he'd ever say "vote". The Reds aren't interested in democracy, they're interested in an autocracy based on the ballot box and not on law.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Local Drunk

[Dogmatix]

The lack of payment for their rice, meaning that they have no money to plant rice, and the drought means that this is the only work available for many.

[mrtoad]

This thread has rapidly descended into a racist rant against the intelligence and integrity of the ordinary voters of Thailand.

No it hasn't, you just can't defend the indefensible.

Farmers been paid yet?

Suggest you look up the word "Racism" that you are happily banding around to suit your Red Agenda.

There are plenty of Thai people, who do not agree with Red Shirt propaganda who are "ordinary Thai voters".

Edited April 4, 2014 by mrtoad

[Dogmatix]

Chalerm has already flagged that the caretaker government will ignore Article 180 of the Constitution that would require the cabinet to vacate office en masse in favour of Article 181 which requires ministers to stay on in a caretaker capacity after the dissolution of Parliament until a new government can be formed. He says they would just appoint one of the deputy PMs (him?) to carry out the PM's duties in her place.

The Constitution doesn't specify any ranking between these two articles. I think Chalerm is correct in the event of indictment of the PM by the NACC pending an impeachment vote because that is a suspension of the PM. But this case would involve the permanent dismissal of the PM. You could equally argue on Chalerm's logic that the PM could ignore the court ruling to dismiss her because Article 181 requires her to stay on as a caretaker PM. I think it is very unlikely the court would rule that Article 181 allows the caretaker cabinet to stay on despite the dismissal of the PM. The logic of the "vacation en masse" is that the ministers are appointed by the PM and not elected by the House like the PM. The PM is the only person with authority to recommend to the King that ministers should be removed and needs to take responsibility for her cabinet. Once she is no longer there, even as a result of resignation or death the ministers have no right to remain without her.

Chalerm's argument that the PM must be a member of the Lower House is correct but also counts against him in this case as he wants a deputy PM, who is no longer an MP, to be given the powers of the PM without the possibility of royal endorsement. Thus any orders signed by such a person as PM or acting PM, including a request for a royal decree, could be ruled unlawful.

It will be interesting to see what happens when the Constitutional Court has ruled that Poo and her entire cabinet are no longer ministers and Poo goes but the rest decide to stay on and illegally appoint one of themselves as PM, just because they fill confident they are supported by the Shin family's private army.

[NamKAheng]

"I voted for Yingluck, now I want to protect her," said Pradit Viengdindam, a 54-year-old street vendor who recently bought life insurance in case his two children are left with no father.

Insurance do not pay if it hapend in a riot, war etc ...

[Artisi]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

Don't recall the people in the particular area they are from being denied the right to participate in paid voting. It was just a case of not all that many turning out at the time.

[bigbamboo]

They have shed their red T-shirts for new black uniforms

There won't be any argument who the men in black are this time around.

That's quite a clever move. If the real men-in-black show up again they can claim they are really just poor innocent red shirts dressed up for a day out.

[mrtoad]

Spalpeen, have the farmers been paid yet?

[Smokemachine]

I hope the more sensible group of RED shirts will advise your own red comrades about the consequences of using violence.

Violence is definitely not the answer for anything.

Not only you hurts other people, other people got hurt are also THAI people. And you red people will get hurt as well.

A country will not just freely let any group of militant with deadly weapons assaulting other innocent party. When you decided to attack on others,

be prepared the RTA will come out and take you down (again). Don't blame RTA again for any losses. They have never wanted to take down anyone unless been force with no choice. You leave them with no choice. When that happens, it gonna be chaotic. When shits come, remember is the RED terrorist leaders condoing violence and bring disasters to the nation, to the Thai people.

All they wanted is just to destroy the Thai people's home sweet home.

[Artisi]

This thread has rapidly descended into a racist rant against the intelligence and integrity of the ordinary voters of Thailand.

There is nothing racist on here silly head. Take a hike with the lying and trolling, please. You sound like some NAACP advocate from CNN or some rubbish.

We can digress the mentality and thinking of voting and voting results. That is not racist whatsoever. You're pitiful.

.

A few quotes from just one page of this thread so far......"They certainly do understand fight, battle, burn, lie, steal, intimidate.....vote buying and intimidating......poor brainwashed people......they know very little actually.....like monkeys with fire.......".

Just a non stop stream of contempt for the Thai people. Pathetic.

And I guess condoning violence as you do constantly is OK, which surely is just another form of contempt of the Thai people.

[dickyknee]

This thread has rapidly descended into a racist rant against the intelligence and integrity of the ordinary voters of Thailand.

There is nothing racist on here silly head. Take a hike with the lying and trolling, please. You sound like some NAACP advocate from CNN or some rubbish.

We can digress the mentality and thinking of voting and voting results. That is not racist whatsoever. You're pitiful.

.

A few quotes from just one page of this thread so far......"They certainly do understand fight, battle, burn, lie, steal, intimidate.....vote buying and intimidating......poor brainwashed people......they know very little actually.....like monkeys with fire.......".

Just a non stop stream of contempt for the Thai people. Pathetic.

was that directed at Thais or redshirts?

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

Edited April 4, 2014 by dickyknee

[seajae]

This thread has rapidly descended into a racist rant against the intelligence and integrity of the ordinary voters of Thailand.

yes it must be hard you you to read the truth and not the red propaganda you usually do. As they say, the truth hurts.

[marstons]

Do they know no other words except "fight" and "battle"????

If Thaksin and Yingluck and PT has done nothing wrong or illegal, they wouldn't be facing the raft of charges they are currently. And don't give me that "politically motivated" crap, that's just deflection and a smokescreen to hide their wrongdoings.

.

Yeah, they know words like "voting" and "democracy", but when that avenue is denied to them then "fight" and "battle" is what inevitably follows.

I am sure they know the words "voting" and "democracy", but doubt that they actually have any idea as to what they mean. They certainly do understand fight, battle, burn, lie, steal, intimidate and violence though.

Take it you never lived in Isaan, they know full well they get to vote in an election, they have enough of them to know, local and National. They know twice the government they voted for won and has 2 times been forced out one way or another also are well aware the are considered to stupid to vote.

So what western country do you know where Democratically elected government's are regularly over thrown.