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.  

Middle Class, Inequality, and Democracy – Part II | Asian Correspondent

Middle Class, Inequality, and Democracy – Part II | Asian Correspondent
This article is in two parts and gives a very accurate representation of the state of Thai politics.

Siam Voices by Siam Voices | Asian Correspondent

Siam Voices by Siam Voices | Asian Correspondent

It is clear that not much is being done and accusations are being thrown about by both sides. It could be the findings could well destroy lives on both sides and that maybe to seek justice may not be in the best interest in reconciliation but only if it is about moving forward and healing the divide rather than protecting the guilty.

Bangkok Post : Parties dismiss Democrat 'revelations'

Bangkok Post : Parties dismiss Democrat 'revelations'
This hardly constitutes a move toward reconciliation.  Just more political grandstanding and provocations by the major parties.

Thailand’s Democrat Party rally: Reclaiming (the truth about) Rajaprasong | Asian Correspondent

Thailand’s Democrat Party rally: Reclaiming (the truth about) Rajaprasong | Asian Correspondent
There was little evidence of reconciliation at this rally, just politics as usual and more finger pointing.

Avoid Ratchaprasong, reds told

Avoid Ratchaprasong, reds told
Let's hope they take this to heart, even though this rally seems like a provocation, I am hoping that they listen to their leaders and stay away. 

Rally 'not just to woo voters'

Rally 'not just to woo voters'
Let's hope that there is some sincerity in this obviously political stunt.  If this is the case then it should not have been advertised as a political rally but an open forum with invitations to the other party to participate.  I know they want to look like they are taking the high road but from all the political rhetoric of late, this appears to be more of the same.  I will try and keep an open mind and hope for the best. 

Bangkok Post : Rally incenses relatives of Ratchaprasong dead

Bangkok Post : Rally incenses relatives of Ratchaprasong dead
This could be incredibly insensitive or a sincere attempt to heal old wounds, either way I don't think it will achieve the desired results.  It has all the earmarks of politics as usual and it is not surprising that it is view as being provocative.  There could have been a better way of handling this. 

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.

Thaksin and me | Journalist Profile | Reuters.com

Thaksin and me | Journalist Profile | Reuters.com
A fascinating essay on the state of Thailand democratic woes and the Thaksin puppet-master's broken strings. His sense of irony aptly sums up the complex nature of what is driving this political crisis that Thailand is embroiled in.

Democrats go for broke

Democrats go for broke
It seems a bit underhanded and may end up working against them, considering that they did not come away so clean after the events of last May. It would be better to focus on reconciliation.

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.

Red Shirts

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship or UDD are commonly referred to as 'Red Shirts'.  As a political pressure group they are diametrically opposed to the People's Alliance for Democracy and their actions.  There have been many open clashes between the two groups.  The UDD was originally formed to protest the military coup and subsequent military government, which overthrew the Thaksin government in 2006.  Their protest stopped after the 2007 general election won by the People's Power Party.  The UDD organized a number of  counter demonstrations during the 2008 crisis.  After Abhisit Vejjajiva became Prime Minister, the UDD organized major anti-government for the next two years, insisting that the Democrat led coalition was not legitimate and calling for new elections.  The UDD protested led to several violent clashes with the army where more than 80 civilians were killed and 1378 were injured.  In the final military crackdown, UDD leader surrender to prevent further bloodshed, while the famous shopping district of Ratchaprasong was set on fire. 

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.