How to interpret the ‘no vote’ in the Thai election? | Asian Correspondent

How to interpret the ‘no vote’ in the Thai election? | Asian Correspondent
This campaign by PAD is more evidence that they have migrated to the fringe of the political discourse.  How can they be taken seriously?  They have even abandoned their own political party, reasoning that anyone involved in the political process in corrupt.  

Bangkok Post : PAD supports Suwit's decision

Bangkok Post : PAD supports Suwit's decision
Any decision that gains the support of PAD has got to be suspect. Given their history of xenophobia and extreme nationalism, this move could ultimately hurt moves to preserve heritage sites within Thailand. The border dispute not withstanding, this political and provocative move was one that required more diplomacy and being less reactive.

PAD to petition for Pheu Thai disbandment

PAD to petition for Pheu Thai disbandment
As the time draws closer to the election, we should be seeing more statements like this. It remains to be seen when the 'Yellow Shirts' will hit the street with any significant numbers and if they will be able to rally any support.

Bangkok Post : In slamming the general, PAD helps Pheu Thai

Bangkok Post : In slamming the general, PAD helps Pheu Thai
There is no question that the comments by the general where out of place but it is also not surprising, given the general's obvious loyalties, that PAD would choose to criticize him. They have made is clear that they are opposed to many of the policies of the current government but see how these comments and their 'No vote' campaign put them in league with the Phue Thai.

The Divorce is final

It has been evident for quite some time that there is no love lost between the Democrats and PAD.  The events that brought the Democrats to power, although they were instigated by the 'Yellow Shirt' protests, it was more a marriage of convenience rather  than a blooming love affair.  Almost from the beginning the Democrats incurred the wrath of the PAD leadership and seen some a number of 'Yellow Shirt' protests against some of there policies and as a result, PAD has formed their own New Politics Party to contest the election (There has since been a schism between PAD and its own party but more about that later).  More recently there has been a war of words being batted back and forth amongst the party leaders in the press with the Democrats claiming the PAD 'No Vote' campaign is the result of collusion between PAD and the exiled Thaksin.

Yellow Shirts

The People's Alliance for Democracy is also known as the National Liberation Alliance but are more commonly referred to as PAD or 'Yellow Shirts'.  At one time their leaders included the media tycoon, Sondhi Limthongkul and General Chamlong Srimuang.  Originally formed as a coalition of protesters against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, they were a major player in the Thai political crisis of 2005-2006, the 2008 crisis and the Cambodian-Thai border dispute surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple.  After the Thaksin government was overthrown, they announced that their goals had been achieved and they voluntarily dissolved.  The PAD protest resurfaced following the 2007 election of the People's Power Party, who were perceived as affiliated with the former Thaksin's parties and their policies.  PAD mobilized support around the country and caused major disruptions in transportation services including seizing a number of regional airports in the south.  Eventually the protests escalated to a blockade of the Parliament house, taking control of government offices at Don Muang Airport and finally taking control of Suvarnabhumi International Airport.  The sieges and protest came to an end when the Constitutional court dissolved the PPP and banned its leaders from politics.