Political demonstrations are the norm of the day in Thailand. And, it began more so since the days when Thaksin Sinawatra was removed from power in a military coup. However, in the Udon Thani province of Thailand, the incident has neither been forgotten nor it has been forgiven.
This is the place, which vows by the name of Thaksin. A place where Sinawatra has won elections not once, but twice that too by landslide margins. Sinawatra is now in Dubai avoiding a jail term in relation to corruption, but he has a rock-star status back in his home province.
A huge field in Udon Thani sees floodlights and political activity till late night. On stage there are leaders and on the grassy field there are the supporters all wearing the same Red shirt. The color of Sinawatra’s campaign. It’s a rally, which is trying to protest Thaksin’s removal, and wants the leader to be deported back to the country. They use different mediums of communication, one such as Radio to propaganda Thaksin’s views. These broadcasting appeals are made for cash donations to get protestors to Bangkok. The motive of the rally and the protestors is to get the ruling coalition out of power.
The last time the Red shirts had gathered in such a mass scale they were scattered hither and thither by the Government who had dealt the whole issue with an iron hand. Meanwhile, the government has applied the Internal Security Act, which gives additional powers to the military who can deal any situation, which is going out of hand.
Government spokesman, Panitan Wattanayagorn talking to BBC, said it was a necessary precaution. "We don't expect agreement on all issues, but they the protestors need to respect the rule of law, they need to respect other people's rights," he said. "In every society we see small numbers of people who believe in using violence as a means to certain ends, we need to block these people. If we can successfully contain this, I think the demonstration will be peaceful." He added.
Another challenge for the Red Army is to maintain their own people as many have defected to the rival camp. Here is what BBC's Rachel Harvey reported from there in a news story published Saturday. Prachob and Thongsi are two strong-headed characters that have lived their whole life in the Udon Thani province. Though, they do not have running water or electricity but their devotion for Sinawatra is unparalleled.
During his reign Thaksin introduced cheap health care, which helped many including Prachob and Thongsi. "My husband is sick but he's still going to the rally," Thongsi said, her voice cracking with emotion. "We want to play our part, to try to bring back Thaksin." She adds. Her hero's political exile is still a raw wound. Both, Thongsi and Prachob are going to Bangkok to have their place in the sun too. Several Red Flags, red-banners and red-shirted people challenged for a place in the vehicle that is going to be the conduit for their fight. The Red shirts say that they are battling for justice but the big question is will they succeed?
