Red-shirt activist Jaran grateful France granted him political asylum

[webfact]

Red-shirt activist Jaran grateful France granted him political asylum
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- FUGITIVE red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) Jaran Ditapichai, who has been residing in exile in France since late last year, claims he has been given political asylum since November.

"I feel particularly grateful to France. I feel safe and can live without the fear of being deported," Jaran said in an interview with The Nation through Facebook from France.

The French Embassy acknowledged that Jaran is in France but refused to deny or confirm his legal status. Spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Colonel Winthai Suvari, meanwhile said the Foreign Ministry is still checking on Jaran's status.

The 68-year-old Jaran spent his time in France contacting officials at various European Foreign Ministries, European parliamentarians, lobbying the United Nation's Human Rights Council and trying to convince the European Union on his version of Thailand.

The anti-coup dissident fled after the coup and is now wanted for both refusing to report to the military junta and allegedly violating the lese majeste law.

Winthai insisted that Jaran is among those Thais abroad who distorts things and attacks Thailand.

"There's a chance that distortions are being made. The Foreign Ministry explains the situation every now and then to foreign states and they have a better understanding of the situation," said Winthai.

Jaran said the work he is doing now faces huge odds.

"Things are difficult," said Jaran, adding that awareness and concerns about the Thai situation are low and European states are more interested about what is happening in Greece, Ukraine and Syria. They are unlikely to increase pressure on the military government of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha," he said.

However, the former communist rebel of the 1970s, as well as former National Human Rights Commissioner, is pessimistic about the future of Thailand.

"I can't detect any positive trend. Things are just getting worse and the NCPO is likely to try to hang on to power longer," said Jaran, adding however that the anti-junta groups will persist.

Asked if he hopes to ever return to Thailand, Jaran said France is likely to be his permanent base due to the lese majeste charge against him and the fact that he is already 68.

Winthai defended the military junta saying many leaders of the previous administration are still living in Thailand and have not been prosecuted while those who fled were merely escaping criminal prosecution such as those fleeing the lese majeste charge.

The junta spokesperson said it's unclear if the Foreign Ministry has tried to explain its side of the story to France, which reportedly offered at least temporary safe haven to a few other dissidents.

"I can't say if this is affecting our relations [with France] but so far it hasn't," Winthai remarked.

Jaran said the lese majeste charge against him came after the coup and was simply due to the fact that he had chaired an event, which included a theatrical performance that was later deemed offensive to the monarchy.

He's currently living off his savings but said he will eventually have to look for a job.

Anti-coup Thai restaurants in Paris, which numbered about 10, occasionally host him and Jaran is active on Facebook.

"This is probably going to be my final battle," said Jaran, referring to the struggle and his residency in France.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Red-shirt-activist-Jaran-grateful-France-granted-h-30262176.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-12

[Somtamnication]

Could be worse. Britain could have been blind enough to grant him asylum. Stay in France, mate!

[Bannum opinions]

"he 68-year-old Jaran spent his time in France contacting officials at various European Foreign Ministries, European parliamentarians, lobbying the United Nation's Human Rights Council and trying to convince the European Union on his version of Thailand"

Whatever his political version is, I agree.

Edited June 11, 2015 by Bannum opinions

[Ricardo]

Perhaps he might ask his political master for a pension, since he seems to still be devoting his time to political-activities, or doesn't that fit with his communist ideals ?

[geriatrickid]

Perhaps he might ask his political master for a pension, since he seems to still be devoting his time to political-activities, or doesn't that fit with his communist ideals ?

Your knee jerk reaction demonstrates that you don't know very much about the man. He was a major critic of former PM Thaksin's war on drugs. As a human rights commissioner (2001-2007), he was one of the loudest voices. His criticism of the Thaksin administration, the police and the army's conduct during the enforcement action did not endear him to the military. When the military seized power in 2006, he was terminated as a human rights commissioner by the military appointed "legislature".

In respect to his communist ideals, again you don't know much about the students who joined the communist party back in the 1970's. There was no opposition allowed during the heyday of the military dictatorship(s). Young people who felt strongly about freedom and civil liberties were forced into joining the communists if they wanted to fight for freedom. That's what one party rule and a suspension of civil rights does.

This is not an ignorant man. He was a university professor and he does have a connection to France as he did his post grad studies there. He is entitled to his pension from Thailand as he paid into it both as a professor and as a state employee. Instead of trying to denigrate the man, you should pay more attention to the slap in the face France gave Thailand.

[JOC]

Could be worse. Britain could have been blind enough to grant him asylum. Stay in France, mate!

What a stupid comment!!

Khun Jaran is not a terrorist or is inciting violence in any form.

He is a long time political activist (former HRW commissioner) brave enough to speak his mind even if is against the mighty and powerful!!

As for his LM charges, remember this case:

Contrary to Gen Thanasak’s speech to the UN, Thailand, since the 2014 coup, has seen the highest number of lèse majesté prisoners in any period of Thai history, according to iLaw.

Recently, Patiwat S. and Pornthip M., two student activists, were recently sentenced to five years imprisonment for their involvement in ‘The Wolf Bride’, a political play allegedly defaming the monarchy. The jail term, however, was halved because the two pleaded guilty.

Mr Jaran's "crime" was that he defended the students right to express their opinion, also known as free speech.

Khun Jaran keep up the good work, Thailand need people like you to question the powers and institutions of Thailand!!

[pitrevie]

They also gave political asylum to the Ayatollah Khomeini, that worked out quite well.

[ChrisY1]

I'de be happy to escape Thailand and live in France if I was going to be subjected to someones personal interpretation of the LM laws......the threat of 20 years in a Thai prison would make anyone leave!

Edited June 12, 2015 by ChrisY1

[worgeordie]

Hopefully there will be plane loads of Red shirts,leaving Thailand

in the very near future.for France.

regards Worgeordie

[geriatrickid]

They also gave political asylum to the Ayatollah Khomeini, that worked out quite well.

Not true. The Ayatollah lived in exile for 14 years in Iraq. In 1978, Iran was gripped with protests and civil unrest and it was no longer a question of the Shah surviving but one of when he would go. The Ayatollah was encouraged to go to France because it had been hoped this would quiet the situation. He entered on a legitimate visitor visa and not as a refugee and stayed for less than 4 months.

[djjamie]

Perhaps he might ask his political master for a pension, since he seems to still be devoting his time to political-activities, or doesn't that fit with his communist ideals ?

Quite correct my friend. He certainly deserves a pension from the convicted criminal, accused terrorist, accused mass murderer fugitive. He is one of his biggest fans.

Some will say "he was" to further their agenda, but the fact of the matter is they are living in the past. It is "he is" that is important.

This guy travelled to Washington DC to consort with the National Endowment for Democracy and America's largest corporations for support in their bid to return his ousted criminal leader, Thaksin Shinawatra to power. This is treason and is in tune with cancerous red shirt ideals that have no qualms with convicted criminals running the country as they themselves are cut from the same jib.

"He was" is living in the past, but that does not surprise me as the same people still refer to elections 4 years ago to gauge a certain parties popularity. What is important is "He is" and he is a thaksin fan through and through. He loves him. I actually follow this moron on twitter as it fascinates me how red shirts think and what they like to pass as facts. He uses twitter as his platform to spew misguided rhetoric to the gullible. Up until May the 8th he is still defending the criminal. My favourite post from this terrorist supporter that blatantly shows his twisted interpretation of facts was on March 26th. He fails to mention any background into the reasons given for the shutdown and as per standard MO refers to yellow TV who of course had different content on their channel. Content that DID NOT break the law...

With education comes responsibilities and unfortunately this man is a great big fat failure when it comes to responsibility. Instead of harnessing his education to further Thailand like the Right Honorable Abhisit is doing currently, but uses it to split the country and not surprisingly is supporting a small, but very violent and vocal minority that have the audacity to spout majority backing through a belief structure that only the most ardent supporters still believe.

Edited June 12, 2015 by djjamie

[Friendly Stranger]

Buddy, you better learn the language quick, as the French are not very tollerable in that respect. I know first hand.

[DM07]

Perhaps he might ask his political master for a pension, since he seems to still be devoting his time to political-activities, or doesn't that fit with his communist ideals ?

Quite correct my friend. He certainly deserves a pension from the convicted criminal, accused terrorist, accused mass murderer fugitive. He is one of his biggest fans.

Some will say "he was" to further their agenda, but the fact of the matter is they are living in the past. It is "he is" that is important.

This guy travelled to Washington DC to consort with the National Endowment for Democracy and America's largest corporations for support in their bid to return his ousted criminal leader, Thaksin Shinawatra to power. This is treason and is in tune with cancerous red shirt ideals that have no qualms with convicted criminals running the country as they themselves are cut from the same jib.

"He was" is living in the past, but that does not surprise me as the same people still refer to elections 4 years ago to gauge a certain parties popularity. What is important is "He is" and he is a thaksin fan through and through. He loves him. I actually follow this moron on twitter as it fascinates me how red shirts think and what they like to pass as facts. He uses twitter as his platform to spew misguided rhetoric to the gullible. Up until May the 8th he is still defending the criminal. My favourite post from this terrorist supporter that blatantly shows his twisted interpretation of facts was on March 26th. He fails to mention any background into the reasons given for the shutdown and as per standard MO refers to yellow TV who of course had different content on their channel. Content that DID NOT break the law...

With education comes responsibilities and unfortunately this man is a great big fat failure when it comes to responsibility. Instead of harnessing his education to further Thailand like the Right Honorable Abhisit is doing currently, but uses it to split the country and not surprisingly is supporting a small, but very violent and vocal minority that have the audacity to spout majority backing through a belief structure that only the most ardent supporters still believe.

You must be a massively huge troll!

You can not even half believe the bullenscheiss you spout!

[Bakseeda]

"he 68-year-old Jaran spent his time in France contacting officials at various European Foreign Ministries, European parliamentarians, lobbying the United Nation's Human Rights Council and trying to convince the European Union on his version of Thailand"

Whatever his political version is, I agree.

Good...plenty of room for another in France...... and shut the door behind you....

[baboon]

Hopefully there will be plane loads of Red shirts,leaving Thailand

in the very near future.for France.

regards Worgeordie

So in other words, you are perfectly happy to see Thai citizens persecuted for their political beliefs to the point where they are forced to leave the country - THEIR country.

Jesus Christ, I don't know what is wrong with some people on here, I really don't...

[Srikcir]

"refusing to report to the military junta and allegedly violating the lese majeste law."

Hardly crimes against the Thai people or humanity.

Je Suis Jaran

.

[glenmohr]

Perhaps he might ask his political master for a pension, since he seems to still be devoting his time to political-activities, or doesn't that fit with his communist ideals ?

Quite correct my friend. He certainly deserves a pension from the convicted criminal, accused terrorist, accused mass murderer fugitive. He is one of his biggest fans.

Some will say "he was" to further their agenda, but the fact of the matter is they are living in the past. It is "he is" that is important.

This guy travelled to Washington DC to consort with the National Endowment for Democracy and America's largest corporations for support in their bid to return his ousted criminal leader, Thaksin Shinawatra to power. This is treason and is in tune with cancerous red shirt ideals that have no qualms with convicted criminals running the country as they themselves are cut from the same jib.

"He was" is living in the past, but that does not surprise me as the same people still refer to elections 4 years ago to gauge a certain parties popularity. What is important is "He is" and he is a thaksin fan through and through. He loves him. I actually follow this moron on twitter as it fascinates me how red shirts think and what they like to pass as facts. He uses twitter as his platform to spew misguided rhetoric to the gullible. Up until May the 8th he is still defending the criminal. My favourite post from this terrorist supporter that blatantly shows his twisted interpretation of facts was on March 26th. He fails to mention any background into the reasons given for the shutdown and as per standard MO refers to yellow TV who of course had different content on their channel. Content that DID NOT break the law...

With education comes responsibilities and unfortunately this man is a great big fat failure when it comes to responsibility. Instead of harnessing his education to further Thailand like the Right Honorable Abhisit is doing currently, but uses it to split the country and not surprisingly is supporting a small, but very violent and vocal minority that have the audacity to spout majority backing through a belief structure that only the most ardent supporters still believe.

You must be a massively huge troll!

You can not even half believe the bullenscheiss you spout!

DM07 " Vocal minority"" ???? Now then I do not regard Prayut as being very smart but he is a heap smarter than you in that he recognises immediately his opposition is not a minority which is why he is dead scared of elections. He is using his powers vested in himself to avoid elections at all costs, smarter than you by a country mile.

[sweatalot]

"he 68-year-old Jaran spent his time in France contacting officials at various European Foreign Ministries, European parliamentarians, lobbying the United Nation's Human Rights Council and trying to convince the European Union on his version of Thailand"

Whatever his political version is, I agree.

you're blind on both eyes

[sweatalot]

Hopefully there will be plane loads of Red shirts,leaving Thailand

in the very near future.for France.

regards Worgeordie

So in other words, you are perfectly happy to see Thai citizens persecuted for their political beliefs to the point where they are forced to leave the country - THEIR country.

Jesus Christ, I don't know what is wrong with some people on here, I really don't...

If it is their political belief that a corrupt criminal should rule the country

if it is their political belief that it is good news when innocent children are killed

if it is their political belief that artist with other political beliefs should be violently hindered from performing

if it is their political belief that Bangkok should be burnt down

if it is their political belief corruption is a way of making politics

if it is their political belief that violence like firing grenades on people whose belief they don't like is a legal way of politics

if ... if ... if....

than I am perfectly happy that those citizens should be forced to completely abandon those believes

and I would not be sad if they

leave the country for France . or better Siberia or may be the moon?

[Baerboxer]

Perhaps he might ask his political master for a pension, since he seems to still be devoting his time to political-activities, or doesn't that fit with his communist ideals ?

Quite correct my friend. He certainly deserves a pension from the convicted criminal, accused terrorist, accused mass murderer fugitive. He is one of his biggest fans.

Some will say "he was" to further their agenda, but the fact of the matter is they are living in the past. It is "he is" that is important.

This guy travelled to Washington DC to consort with the National Endowment for Democracy and America's largest corporations for support in their bid to return his ousted criminal leader, Thaksin Shinawatra to power. This is treason and is in tune with cancerous red shirt ideals that have no qualms with convicted criminals running the country as they themselves are cut from the same jib.

"He was" is living in the past, but that does not surprise me as the same people still refer to elections 4 years ago to gauge a certain parties popularity. What is important is "He is" and he is a thaksin fan through and through. He loves him. I actually follow this moron on twitter as it fascinates me how red shirts think and what they like to pass as facts. He uses twitter as his platform to spew misguided rhetoric to the gullible. Up until May the 8th he is still defending the criminal. My favourite post from this terrorist supporter that blatantly shows his twisted interpretation of facts was on March 26th. He fails to mention any background into the reasons given for the shutdown and as per standard MO refers to yellow TV who of course had different content on their channel. Content that DID NOT break the law...

With education comes responsibilities and unfortunately this man is a great big fat failure when it comes to responsibility. Instead of harnessing his education to further Thailand like the Right Honorable Abhisit is doing currently, but uses it to split the country and not surprisingly is supporting a small, but very violent and vocal minority that have the audacity to spout majority backing through a belief structure that only the most ardent supporters still believe.

You must be a massively huge troll!

You can not even half believe the bullenscheiss you spout!

DM07 " Vocal minority"" ???? Now then I do not regard Prayut as being very smart but he is a heap smarter than you in that he recognises immediately his opposition is not a minority which is why he is dead scared of elections. He is using his powers vested in himself to avoid elections at all costs, smarter than you by a country mile.

Smart politicians always want to pick the election date, at a time they think will best favor themselves. Thaksin was delaying an election in 2006 whilst illegally occupying the position of caretaker PM until he thought things more favorable to him. Yingluck wanted to rush an election in 2014 as he thought enough support could still be mustered to get another largest minority vote win, perhaps before more "truths" leaked out. The current government won't call an election until they're sure the "reforms" they want have been enacted.

[h90]

Could be worse. Britain could have been blind enough to grant him asylum. Stay in France, mate!

What a stupid comment!!

Khun Jaran is not a terrorist or is inciting violence in any form.

He is a long time political activist (former HRW commissioner) brave enough to speak his mind even if is against the mighty and powerful!!

As for his LM charges, remember this case:

Contrary to Gen Thanasak’s speech to the UN, Thailand, since the 2014 coup, has seen the highest number of lèse majesté prisoners in any period of Thai history, according to iLaw.

Recently, Patiwat S. and Pornthip M., two student activists, were recently sentenced to five years imprisonment for their involvement in ‘The Wolf Bride’, a political play allegedly defaming the monarchy. The jail term, however, was halved because the two pleaded guilty.

Mr Jaran's "crime" was that he defended the students right to express their opinion, also known as free speech.

Khun Jaran keep up the good work, Thailand need people like you to question the powers and institutions of Thailand!!

Red Shirt activist.....take bottles we burn down Bangkok, etc activist or did he ever distance himself from the red violence?

LM...most of the LM prisoners would be also in jail in any other country as they would be over the limits of free speech.....

[NanLaew]

.... Instead of harnessing his education to further Thailand like the Right Honorable Abhisit is doing currently, ...

Now I know what some TV members mean when they say they splurted their morning coffee over their keyboard.

[NanLaew]

Hopefully there will be plane loads of Red shirts,leaving Thailand

in the very near future.for France.

regards Worgeordie

So in other words, you are perfectly happy to see Thai citizens persecuted for their political beliefs to the point where they are forced to leave the country - THEIR country.

Jesus Christ, I don't know what is wrong with some people on here, I really don't...

Don't sweat it. They are probably the cast-offs from countries with a bland, two or three party political arena and depending on their narrow-mindedness and malformed ideologies, leading their anarchist, imperialist or fascist lives vicariously through what passes for politics in Thailand and the pages on TV.

Or maybe they were just rubbish at Clash of Kingdoms anyway.

[heybruce]

Hopefully there will be plane loads of Red shirts,leaving Thailand

in the very near future.for France.

regards Worgeordie

So in other words, you are perfectly happy to see Thai citizens persecuted for their political beliefs to the point where they are forced to leave the country - THEIR country.

Jesus Christ, I don't know what is wrong with some people on here, I really don't...

If it is their political belief that a corrupt criminal should rule the country

if it is their political belief that it is good news when innocent children are killed

if it is their political belief that artist with other political beliefs should be violently hindered from performing

if it is their political belief that Bangkok should be burnt down

if it is their political belief corruption is a way of making politics

if it is their political belief that violence like firing grenades on people whose belief they don't like is a legal way of politics

if ... if ... if....

than I am perfectly happy that those citizens should be forced to completely abandon those believes

and I would not be sad if they

leave the country for France . or better Siberia or may be the moon?

I take it that it is your political belief that a corrupt general should rule Thailand.

[h90]

Hopefully there will be plane loads of Red shirts,leaving Thailand

in the very near future.for France.

regards Worgeordie

So in other words, you are perfectly happy to see Thai citizens persecuted for their political beliefs to the point where they are forced to leave the country - THEIR country.

Jesus Christ, I don't know what is wrong with some people on here, I really don't...

If it is their political belief that a corrupt criminal should rule the country

if it is their political belief that it is good news when innocent children are killed

if it is their political belief that artist with other political beliefs should be violently hindered from performing

if it is their political belief that Bangkok should be burnt down

if it is their political belief corruption is a way of making politics

if it is their political belief that violence like firing grenades on people whose belief they don't like is a legal way of politics

if ... if ... if....

than I am perfectly happy that those citizens should be forced to completely abandon those believes

and I would not be sad if they

leave the country for France . or better Siberia or may be the moon?

I take it that it is your political belief that a corrupt general should rule Thailand.

Please show evidence or even rumors about corruption of the general.

[heybruce]

Lots of posters are claiming Jaran did many terrible things. If Thailand tried to extradite him for burning buildings or murder and had evidence these charges were legitimate I'm sure France would be cooperative. However the only reasons mentioned for the extradition are refusing to report to the military junta when summoned and possible lese majeste offenses. I can think of no civilized countries that will extradite someone for these "offenses".

[heybruce]

Quite correct my friend. He certainly deserves a pension from the convicted criminal, accused terrorist, accused mass murderer fugitive. He is one of his biggest fans.

Some will say "he was" to further their agenda, but the fact of the matter is they are living in the past. It is "he is" that is important.

This guy travelled to Washington DC to consort with the National Endowment for Democracy and America's largest corporations for support in their bid to return his ousted criminal leader, Thaksin Shinawatra to power. This is treason and is in tune with cancerous red shirt ideals that have no qualms with convicted criminals running the country as they themselves are cut from the same jib.

"He was" is living in the past, but that does not surprise me as the same people still refer to elections 4 years ago to gauge a certain parties popularity. What is important is "He is" and he is a thaksin fan through and through. He loves him. I actually follow this moron on twitter as it fascinates me how red shirts think and what they like to pass as facts. He uses twitter as his platform to spew misguided rhetoric to the gullible. Up until May the 8th he is still defending the criminal. My favourite post from this terrorist supporter that blatantly shows his twisted interpretation of facts was on March 26th. He fails to mention any background into the reasons given for the shutdown and as per standard MO refers to yellow TV who of course had different content on their channel. Content that DID NOT break the law...

With education comes responsibilities and unfortunately this man is a great big fat failure when it comes to responsibility. Instead of harnessing his education to further Thailand like the Right Honorable Abhisit is doing currently, but uses it to split the country and not surprisingly is supporting a small, but very violent and vocal minority that have the audacity to spout majority backing through a belief structure that only the most ardent supporters still believe.

You must be a massively huge troll!

You can not even half believe the bullenscheiss you spout!

DM07 " Vocal minority"" ???? Now then I do not regard Prayut as being very smart but he is a heap smarter than you in that he recognises immediately his opposition is not a minority which is why he is dead scared of elections. He is using his powers vested in himself to avoid elections at all costs, smarter than you by a country mile.

Smart politicians always want to pick the election date, at a time they think will best favor themselves. Thaksin was delaying an election in 2006 whilst illegally occupying the position of caretaker PM until he thought things more favorable to him. Yingluck wanted to rush an election in 2014 as he thought enough support could still be mustered to get another largest minority vote win, perhaps before more "truths" leaked out. The current government won't call an election until they're sure the "reforms" they want have been enacted.

"Smart politicians always want to pick the election date:

Careful, you're suggesting that Prayuth and company are politicians, many people won't like that. You're also drawing parallels between elected governments and this unelected military junta.

As far as "truths" leaking out, it already been established that Prayuth is uninterested in investigating corruption in the military, the army is complicit in human trafficking, and Prayuth's Eastern Tigers faction of the army became wealthy and bought power by illegal dealings with the Khmer Rouge. How many more truths do you want to leak out?

[h90]

Lots of posters are claiming Jaran did many terrible things. If Thailand tried to extradite him for burning buildings or murder and had evidence these charges were legitimate I'm sure France would be cooperative. However the only reasons mentioned for the extradition are refusing to report to the military junta when summoned and possible lese majeste offenses. I can think of no civilized countries that will extradite someone for these "offenses".

I can't find one post that claiming Jaran did terrible things like burning buildings......

[sweatalot]

Hopefully there will be plane loads of Red shirts,leaving Thailand

in the very near future.for France.

regards Worgeordie

So in other words, you are perfectly happy to see Thai citizens persecuted for their political beliefs to the point where they are forced to leave the country - THEIR country.

Jesus Christ, I don't know what is wrong with some people on here, I really don't...

If it is their political belief that a corrupt criminal should rule the country

if it is their political belief that it is good news when innocent children are killed

if it is their political belief that artist with other political beliefs should be violently hindered from performing

if it is their political belief that Bangkok should be burnt down

if it is their political belief corruption is a way of making politics

if it is their political belief that violence like firing grenades on people whose belief they don't like is a legal way of politics

if ... if ... if....

than I am perfectly happy that those citizens should be forced to completely abandon those believes

and I would not be sad if they

leave the country for France . or better Siberia or may be the moon?

I take it that it is your political belief that a corrupt general should rule Thailand.

I take it that it is your political belief that PM Prayuth is corrupt

[JAG]

Perhaps he might ask his political master for a pension, since he seems to still be devoting his time to political-activities, or doesn't that fit with his communist ideals ?

Quite correct my friend. He certainly deserves a pension from the convicted criminal, accused terrorist, accused mass murderer fugitive. He is one of his biggest fans.

Some will say "he was" to further their agenda, but the fact of the matter is they are living in the past. It is "he is" that is important.

This guy travelled to Washington DC to consort with the National Endowment for Democracy and America's largest corporations for support in their bid to return his ousted criminal leader, Thaksin Shinawatra to power. This is treason and is in tune with cancerous red shirt ideals that have no qualms with convicted criminals running the country as they themselves are cut from the same jib.

"He was" is living in the past, but that does not surprise me as the same people still refer to elections 4 years ago to gauge a certain parties popularity. What is important is "He is" and he is a thaksin fan through and through. He loves him. I actually follow this moron on twitter as it fascinates me how red shirts think and what they like to pass as facts. He uses twitter as his platform to spew misguided rhetoric to the gullible. Up until May the 8th he is still defending the criminal. My favourite post from this terrorist supporter that blatantly shows his twisted interpretation of facts was on March 26th. He fails to mention any background into the reasons given for the shutdown and as per standard MO refers to yellow TV who of course had different content on their channel. Content that DID NOT break the law...

With education comes responsibilities and unfortunately this man is a great big fat failure when it comes to responsibility. Instead of harnessing his education to further Thailand like the Right Honorable Abhisit is doing currently, but uses it to split the country and not surprisingly is supporting a small, but very violent and vocal minority that have the audacity to spout majority backing through a belief structure that only the most ardent supporters still believe.

So can we take it you have reservations about him then?