Thaksin Get Out

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. This article has been tagged since September 2006.

The term "Thaksin Get Out" (Thai: ทักษิณออกไป) was one of the slogans used by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) while demanding the permanent resignation of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from politics. PAD organizers claimed that 12,000,000 people attended its protest rallies cum television shows. They also claimed the largest rally had more than 100,000 participants.

Contents 1 Muangthai Raisabdah "On Tour" 1.1 Declaration of non-violence 2 Establishment of the People's Alliance for Democracy 2.1 Leadership of the PAD 2.2 Goals of the PAD 2.3 Initial accusations of the PAD 3 PAD's escalation of attacks against Thaksin Shinawatra 4 Protest Strategy 4.1 Split-and-Attack tactics 4.2 Timeline 4.3 Media strategy 4.4 Questions 4.5 Character Assassination 4.6 Discreditation 4.7 Attached themselves to Royal Institutions 4.8 Financing the movement 4.9 Entertainment strategy 5 The "Finland Plan" 6 PAD Network 6.1 Domestic PAD Network 6.2 International PAD Network 7 Thaksin's Response 7.1 Responses not linked to Thaksin 7.1.1 Counter Campaign Crowd 7.1.2 Government Legitimate Power 7.1.3 Propaganda War 7.1.4 Misdirection 8 Impact of the protests 8.1 The Country Split 8.2 Thaksin goes on leave 8.3 Violence 9 Establishment of the Mass Party 10 Recent events 10.1 Police State 10.2 First Anniversary 10.3 Desperation or Validation? 10.4 PAD goes North 11 Notes 12 See also 13 External links

[edit] Muangthai Raisabdah "On Tour"

See also: Muangthai Raisabdah

After Sondhi Limthongkul's political talkshow Muangthai Raisabdah was cancelled due to references he made to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, he broadcasted it via satellite (through his ASTV channel based out of Hong Kong) and webcast it via the website of his Manager Daily newspaper.^[1] The show, which was taped at locations like the M Group corporate headquarters, the auditorium of Thammasat University, Wat Pa Ban Tat in Udon Thani (Luang Ta Maha Bua's temple), and Lumpini Park, attracted ever larger crowds and turned into political rallies. Sondhi, responding to early allegations that he had disrespected the King, took to wearing yellow (the royal color) and using the slogan "We will fight for the King" and "Return power to the King."

The constant references to the King caused Generals Prem Tinsulanonda and Surayud Chulanont, members of the King's Privy Council, to warn the public to keep the King out of politics.^[2] However, "We will fight for the King" remained Muangthai Raisabdah's slogan.

During this period, Sondhi made several controversial comments on Muangthai Raisabdah, including the claim that a team of assassins was following him around, the claim that the Thai Rak Thai party was affiliated to the Chinese Communist Party, the claim that there was corruption in the Thai Air Force's purchase of Russian-made SU-30 MK jet fighters, and the claim (repeated from a 1997 government censor debate) that Thaksin profited from insider information during the 1997 devaluation of the Baht.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8]}

The 9th episode on 19 November 2005, dealing with the royal prerogatives of the King and held at Lumpini Park, was particularly popular, with Manager newspaper reporting that 100,000 people in attendance. This episode formally introducted the slogan "Return power to the King." At the conclusion of the show, Sondhi announced that he would be moving the venue of the protests cum television shows to the royal cremation grounds at Sanam Luang.

By February, Sondhi's campaign was wildly successful, with visits to the news website of the M Group tripling compared to the beginning of the campaign. The 4 February 2006 episode, broadcasted in front of the King Rama V equestrian statue in front of the former Parliament, consisted of a seminar attended by former M Group employees like Anchalee Paireerak, Yuthiyong Limlertwatee, Pantep Puapongpant, Kumnoon Sidhisaman and Sumran Rodpetch. Former leader of the Phalang Dharma Party Chamlong Srimuang and Senator Jermsak Pinthong were also in attendance. That evening, protestors sent petitioned Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda and King Bhunmibol Adulyadej demanding the resignation of Thaksin Shinawatra. The King later responded by calling the demands "irrational" and "a mess." Although organizers expected some 100,000 people, only approximately 40,000 appeared.^[9]

[edit] Declaration of non-violence

The word "Ahimsa" (sometimes spelled Ahingsa) was mentioned in Sondhi's Speech ^[10] .

Sondhi mentioned "Ahingsa" to guarantee the participants and his supporters that he would not use violence or force to take down the government. He would only fight with "Dhamma" and Patient and he believed that Thaksin can not withstand both value.

[edit] Establishment of the People's Alliance for Democracy

See also: People's Alliance for Democracy

After the 9 February 2006 rally, a coalition of anti-Thaksin activists formed the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Muangthai Raisabda was incorporated into the Alliance.

[edit] Leadership of the PAD

See also: People's Alliance for Democracy#Origins and leadership

The PAD was formed and led by Sondhi Limthongkul, former Phalang Dharma party leader Chamlong Srimuang, academic Somkeit Pongpaibul, state enterprise union leader Somsak Kosaisuuk, and Campaign for Popular Democracy leader Pipob Thongchai.

[edit] Goals of the PAD

The goals of tha anti-Thaksin movement have transformed over time. Prior to the 2005 election for the House of Representatives, most protestors simply wanted to defeat the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party and elect. After the TRT won a landslide election victory, the goals of the movement shifted to ejecting Thaksin from the premiership. After Thaksin temporarily went "on leave" following the boycotted 2006, the movement's goal shifted to the permanently ending Thaksin's political career.

Today, there is much dissent about the goals of the movement, with some simply wanting him to not accept the Premiership, others stating their intention to send him into permanent exile, while extremists have stated their intention to see him dead.^[11]

[edit] Initial accusations of the PAD

See also: People's Alliance for Democracy#Criticisms of Thaksin Shinawatra

There are many accusations towards Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by PAD which include those that were brought by Sondhi Limthongkul before the birth of PAD. Some accusations are totally out rageous that combined with rumours and hypathetical scenario which more likely to be a part of character assassination and degradation strategy, however some are with supporting information from reliable sources. Most of these accusations involve major public interest, national security and economic development:

1. Sangha Racha – Spiritual leader of Buddhism of Thailand
2. Thaksinocracy
3. Thaksinomics
4. Excessive Corruption
5. Shin Corporation Stock
6. Privatization of Electrical Generation Authority of Thailand
7. Unfair business practice of PTT
8. Media Suppression
9. FTA
10. Southern Insurgencies
11. Corruption through Legislative Process
12. Intervention into Independent Organization
13. Conflict of Interest
14. Nepotism
15. Obstruction of justice and abuse of power

[edit] PAD's escalation of attacks against Thaksin Shinawatra

As political tensions escalated in March 2006, PAD attacks against Thaksin increased in intensity.

• Senator Karoon Sai-ngam of Buriram Province told women to pass photos of Thaksin between their legs and curse Thaksin three times to flee to Singapore.^[12]
• Social critic Sulak Sivaraksa claimed that Thaksin Shinawatra had committed adultery and had fathered an illegitimate child. However, he has never cited any evidence for his claims.^[13]
• Sondhi Limthongkul claimed that Thaksin had masterminded the destruction of the Bangkok's Erawan Shrine in order to replace Brahma with a "dark force" aligned to Thaksin^[14]. Sondhi claimed that Thaksin hired the destroyer of the shrine through a Khmer black magic shaman^[15]. Sondhi also claimed "I have in-depth information about someone who is deeply obsessed with superstition [referring to Thaksin]. He wants to destroy Thao Maha Phrom so that he can rebuild it by himself and then bury "his stuff" in the statue. This is a way to avert ill omens"^[16]. Thaksin called Sondhi's accusations "insane". To date, Sondhi has refused to make public any details about his "in-depth information" regarding his accusations.

[edit] Protest Strategy

The true strategic planning by PAD to overthrow Thaksin is implemented through major framework of “Image Building” to public eyes by erasing the normal “Political Struggle of Ideology” which happens on the street around the world between the citizens towards government, but turned it into promoting this campaign as a “Good against the Evil”. Base on the Buddhist Doctrine called “Dhamma”, PAD represent themselves as selfless warriors who are ready to sacrifice everything in order to overpower the evil. Sondhi mentioned in one of his speech “If we fight with Dhamma and speak true, we will never loose this war”. PAD leaders always give the speech regarding the financial struggle of the campaign and also stated that they have been harassed in many ways by government official and authority, especially the police. There are many incidents that support their claim, however, there are no arrested for any incident that was happen. Nevertheless, the PAD was successful in establishing the image of a “Good Side” in many people’s heart, especially the middle class of Bangkok. With that move, it automatically, in turn, successfully branding the “Evil” image on Thaksin and his associates which include his Thai Rak Thai Party members and the government officials that supported him. The following strategies are implemented within the mentioned frame work:

[edit] Split-and-Attack tactics

Many people believed that there are “underground” elements of the protest which refer to the (1) People who still live, work and socialize with the members in Thaksin’s circle but financially and morally support PAD, (2) People who disagree with the way Thaksin administrate the country but rarely criticize him and (3) people who present themselves as neutral but secretly support PAD. These groups of people can be considered as the “factions” who has a same goal as PAD but do not share the same strategic method to reach such goal. There is no solid proof that these groups of people are conspiring and coordinating their effort with PAD in this campaign, but there are proof that some of these groups are “communicating” with key personal of PAD. For example: there was a meeting at Sondhi’s Manager Media office between Manager Media personal and members of Democratic Party such including the party leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva. There are also critical information from Thaksin’s inner circle that has been constantly leaked out to PAD.

These groups of people who are temporarily or constantly supporting PAD was the part of “Dao-Kra-Jai” formation which directly means an explosion of the star, however in this case, it means split and attack to the same target from all side. It is also a metaphor for the different people who take different action at a different time with different method but share the same goal and and target.

[edit] Timeline

For a timeline of rallies, see the PAD protests against Thaksin Shinawatra article

The People's Alliance for Democracy has held over 20 rallies cum television broadcasts against Thaksin. These rallies have been held nation-wide and have at time attracted very large crowds.

[edit] Media strategy

In a conventional war campaign, “bullets” are what really kill the enemy. However, in this “peaceful” campaign towards Thaksin, “words” and “questions” are what really PAD have used. The artilleries that can deliver words to be as effective as bullets are the “Media Outlet”, most of them under Sondhi’s Influences and their alias.

1. Website
2. Newspaper – Manager,
3. Local Radio - Manager Radio 97.75 and other local radio stations around the country.
4. Satellite TV Network - ASTV -
5. Street Protest - by common civilian
6. Seminar - by academics and top technocrats
7. Books
8. VCD

[edit] Questions

Sondhi Limthongkul, one of PAD leaders is originally a journalist, therefore, even in a position as a top management personal of Manager Group he still using journalist strategy to attack Thaksin. The most powerful tool of journalist is always the "right question" to ask. The reaction of the person who has been asked always tell the whole answer without necessity of saying any words. Sondhi, in his show Muangthai Raisabdah, produced many questions that he aim towards Thaksin. In total, it can be hundreds of them. However, Sondhi carefully selected 40 questions which certainly difficult for Thaksin and his administration to answer. Most of them, Sondhi already know what the answer is. However, the purpose of this questions are not to obtain the answer, it is to raise doubt in public eyes toward Thaksin which fit the frame work of "Good VS Evil". Sondhi, who presented himself as the protector of public benefit which is a prime code of ethics in Journalism was asking an important question towards the "evil", Thaksin Shinawatra who denied to answer any of them. At one point, on Thai Rak Thai Party website, there was an answer to all 40 questions but all were disregard by PAD. The PAD leaders stated that those were not an answer but more like excuses and they were all misdirection. For example, the issue regarding purchasing of new air plane for his majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej.

[edit] Character Assassination

Thaksin and the members of his social circle are presented by PAD to public in an absolute negative way. They were accused and rediculed by PAD in many rally as stupid, corrupted, committing adultery, homosexual, pervert, obsessed with black magic. Most of them were from rumours and a combination of circumstances that lead to a "probable" scenario rather than solid proof of claim. However, it is quite an effective tool to use with public. The "trash talk" regarind Thaksin and his associates always attract laugh and cheers from the crowd but it is far away from serious solid accusation that really the focus of this campaign. The character assassination, therefore, a tool to drive a "soft" negative sense towards Thaksin and his associates to regard them as low-level being rather than a tool to raise "hate" and "anger" within PAD supporters such as strategy of "Questions" and "Discreditation".

[edit] Discreditation

Discreditation strategy that PAD is implementing is to make public believe that Thaksin is a liar. PAD is really well prepare for it because they have a large information of all Thaksin's speech. PAD spend large amouont of man power to sum up the contradicting statement of Thakin and feed to Sondhi everyweek in his speech at "Muangthai Raisabdah" show. With large amount of contradictory, the PAD supporters started to have more and more doubt and eventually, at one point, many of them stop believing Thaksin all together. Sondhi and Manager Group are planning to publish the book called "Trabutsat" or "Lies" (in a formal sense - officially lies) that contain all the contracdicting public statement of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra since he came into politics. This book will further emphasize the strategy of Discreditation

[edit] Attached themselves to Royal Institutions

For Thais, Royal Institutions, especially regarding His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, represent the pure merit and gracious. In the past, the king was the repesent of hindu god that were sent to be born on earth to rule the world. The level of respect towards the king of Thais are absolute and in most incident in the history, in the political conflict, each side always claim that they fight for the Royal Institution or the king. In this conflict between PAD and Thaksin's group, PAD has a little bit more leverage in terms of image regarding "attachment to the Royal Institution" because:

1. They start early in wearing the shirt that has the text such as "We will fight for the king" or other similar sign. They are way ahead of Thaksin's group that start wearing yellow shirt after Diamond Jubilee (2006) Celebration of King Bhumibol Adulyadej which at that time, the whole country was wearing the yellow attier.
2. Sondhi always compare King's goodness with Thaksin's badness. Which can be indirectly related to the frame work of good against evil but in this case, PAD did not put themselves as "good one" but put "King's Image", the absolute goodness among Thais, against Thaksin's "Evil" image. It is must easier to justify. With this strategy sondhi compare the same activity that were done successfully by the King and fail dramatically by Thaksin. Sondhi also succeed in creating doubt in PAD supporters' mind weather Thaksin really have a conflict with the King. Eventually sondhi emphasize this agenda and push forward to accuse Thaksin of "Attempting to Overthrow the institution" which has a grand effect on public outrage towards Thaksin.
3. Petition to Privy Council.-
4. Location of the Grand Rally.
5. Ritual at King Rama VI statue.
6. His Majesty's Anthem at the end of the rally - Usually, in Thailand, the song “Sansern Pra Baramee” or His Majesty the King’s Anthem was played before the beginning of any performing arts such as in the movie theater or play. In the case of Muangthai Raisabdah Sunjorn, the song normally played at the end which makes a different statement. Instead of normal ritual that people do it regularly and pay no attention, in this show, people were given a different message that all the things we are fighting, protesting here is for His Majesty the King.

There were no proof whether the palace is directly or indirectly support PAD or Thaksin.

The most important thing that should be addressed is there is absolutely no incident of physical or military tactics that implement by PAD in this whole campaign except the security team that always surrounded the PAD leaders.

[edit] Financing the movement

PAD always present themselves as a selfless warrior and never expect any financial gain from this campaign. However the financial support is crucial for any activities. Therefore, to obtain such support, PAD made a lot of souvenirs. The most popular item is probably T-shirts that has many design and colors. There are also Books from Manager Publishing (belong to Sondhi) and also the Video Compact Disc (VCD) that recorded all the activities and speech of PAD. These products always sold out in any events which PAD stated that these are the major income that kept the campaign going.

[edit] Entertainment strategy

See also: Entertainment at PAD Stage

All the events organized by PAD always presented in the form of speech, or seminar by the speakers. Most of the time the content of these speeches of seminar are quite technical and contain a lot of information mostly regarding to accusations that PAD made towards Thaksin. One person who have been attended many events refer to these speech and seminars that “It is like going to class room, we have learned so many things”. PAD understands that people also need leisure activities to change the crowd emotions and also to keep the crowd happy, therefore in all events they also provided the entertainment between the speeches and seminars.

The entertainers who participated on the stage are all came on their own will without being paid. Most of them share the same goal as PAD: to get Thaksin out.

Eventhough it suppose to be a leisure time for the crowd, the content of the entertainments provided are still involved with the current situation, accusations towards Thaksin and strategic plan by PAD.

There are different types of Entertainments:

1. Music
2. Comedy
3. Chinese Opera
4. Poet
5. Folk Performing Arts

There are also many songs and poems that were written dedicated specially for this campaign. Some of them become the symbolic song for the campaign that always being played before major speech by key personal, such as "Tien-Hang-Dham" (เทียนแห่งธรรม) or "Candle of Dhamma".

[edit] The "Finland Plan"

In May 2006, allegations against Thaksin reached a new peak when, on the eve of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th anniversary celebrations, the Manager newspaper and website published several articles on the "Finland Plan". The "Finland Plan" was an alleged conspiracy designed by Thaksin and other Thai Rak Thai co-founders aimed at overthrowing the King and seizing control of the country. ^[17][18][19] Democrat Party deputy secretary-general Thaworn Senniam commented that the Finland Plan was "obviously true". In retaliation, Thaksin and TRT sued the owner of the Manager daily Sondhi Limthongkul, its editor, a columnist and two executives for libel.^[20]

[edit] PAD Network

As of September 2006, the PAD claimed a global network.

[edit] Domestic PAD Network

With in Thailand, most of the people who supports PAD are middle class. In Bangkok, which has the largest number of middle class population is the strongest territory of PAD. At regional level, Thailand is divided into 4 regions which are north, northeast, central and south. The south is also the stronghold of PAD, mainly because it is also a stronghold of Democratic Party, the major rival of Thai Rak Thai party. For the rest of 3 regions, majority of population still support Thaksin’s Government. However in many Amper Muang (central district) of all 76 provinces in all over three regions, there are a strong support group for PAD. The population in central district of every province in Thailand are mostly belong to the higher level of social class compare to the rest of the province. Most of the these network of support received the information from PAD through ASTV satellite network.

[edit] International PAD Network

There are many Thais who lives around the world that supports PAD. These Thais form the group in their own location and declare themselves as PAD as well. These PAD outside of Thailand are located in many major cities around the world. Within USA, there are PADs in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Houston. In Europe, there are PADs in London, Frankfurt, Paris etc. In Asia, there are PADs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tokyo etc.

These network groups also regularly host the meeting for their own activities and sometimes invite the key personal from PAD such as the leaders and high profile scholar to give a speech and organized a seminar to spread the agenda of PAD.

[edit] Thaksin's Response

At the beginning of Muangthai Raisabdah that has only couple thousands people participated, Thaksin and his government that controlled 377 seats out of 500 seats in the House of Representatives (Congress) and obtained 19 million votes for partylist did not paid much attention. However, when the participants grew to more than 100,000, the government has to set up a “war room” to monitor and initiate a strategy to solve the problem.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Responses not linked to Thaksin

By that time of the peak at Muangthai Raisabdah, there were still a lot of people all over Thailand that still supported Thaksin, therefore some believe that people make their own move to counter the campaign. However, PAD always stated that all the crowd that came to disturb PAD always been sponsored and organized by high raking Thai Rak Thai Party member who hold important positions in the government.^{[citation needed]} In one incident at Lumpini Park, there was a crowd of couple of hundred people came to disturb Muangthai Raisabdah.^{[citation needed]} Member of Sondhi’s security team took a photograph of the crowd and recognized one man who act like the leader of the crowd as high-raking government official from Forestry Department that under the administration of Minister of Natural Resource and Environment. With the evidence, Sondhi file a legal suit towards Yongyut Tiyapiratch, the Minister of Natural Resource and Environment, accusing him of many charges including assault. The court received the suit and in the process of investigation.

Besides the major crowd at Lumpini Park, there were other indirect response which means that it is difficult to traced by to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra and they may or may not involve with the him. These forms of indirect response are

[edit] Counter Campaign Crowd

As mentioned above, there were other same format of counter campaign crowd all over the place that PAD organized the rally. These crowd will show up near the rally site and start disturbing by yelling, scolding, sometimes using the loud speaker system, all in effort to disturb or possibly stop the rally. These counter campaign tactic did not only apply to only the PAD events but also implemented to anyone who is suspected of a threat to Thaksin’s Government.^{[citation needed]} One significant incident was in Chiangmai, Thaksin’s city of birth and considered his strongest political territory. On that Day, there was a scheduled public speech at Chiangmai University by Democratic Party Senior members, including former prime minister Chuan Leekpai and Abhisit Vejajiva, the party leader. The program had to be abruptly cancelled because of the single group of people that showed up and started to throw bottle that contain urinate towards Democratic Party members and moving towards the stage intend to assault.^{[citation needed]} The all members were transported immediately to the airport where there were other crowd waiting to continute throwing objects and beating. All the incidents are under the silent observation of local police who decided not to intervene.^{[citation needed]} Sondhi mentioned later: “It was an absolute disgrace to treat the former prime minister like this”^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Government Legitimate Power

Since the government is under control of one party which also has been under control of one person, the government authorities in Thailand that all belongs to some certain ministers can be mobilized at Thaksin’s will. For the response to PAD campaign, Thaksin and his associates use this tool effectively. The major government organizations which have been the great tools against PAD campaign are (1) Police Force (2) Internal Revenue Service.^{[citation needed]} There are other organizations such as Department of Forestry as mentioned in “Counter Campaign Crowd” that are involved, or Department of Public Relations that repeatedly tried to block the PAD media outlet, however the impact to structure and efficiency of PAD by such type of group are minimal compare to Police and IRS.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Propaganda War

Thaksin and his associates understand the strategy of PAD. “Words” and “questions” that were used as bullets to attack Thaksin and his government were now also been fired towards PAD by the media that support Thaksin. Any channel of media that PAD has, government tried to counter the progress by establishing the same type of outlet to take over the viewers and audiences

• For TV outlet, there were shows that criticized PAD and supports Thaksin. This type of show, for example was “Samak-Dusit Kid Tam Wan” ran by Samak Suntoravej and Dusit Siriwan who both have high level of experiences in Thai political arena.
• For Radio front, there was “Mungkorndum” (Black Dragon) a college professor who produce that show that has the same concept as Samak and Dusit, however much harsh words
• For Internet front, there were many web that supports Thaksin and try to discredit Manager Online. These web, for examples were: “Konpanfa.com” which has a lot of intelligence article by scholars who support Thaksin, or Chat Room at “Pantip.com” in “Rajadumnern Room” which is the political room. There were also series of forward mail that tried to discredit PAD, especially Sondhi who use to be a billionaire about regarding his business practice and his questionable wealth.
• Print Media – there were many print media that supports Thaksin, mostly are large newspaper corporate, however, as the PAD strength develop, many starts to report the news neutrally.

Many of the information that provided by these media outlet is not complete.^{[citation needed]} Most of the issues were mentioned base on the issues the raised by PAD. However, all of them were presented in the way that favor the government and discredit the PAD.^{[citation needed]} For example: the issues regarding incident at Central World Plaza that one PAD member was beaten by Thaksin’s supporter. (See “Beginning of Violence” below), most of the government news network reported it as a “clash” between two groups which in reality, it was a one-sided beating by Thaksin’s supporter.^{[citation needed]}

The Propaganda Strategy of Thaksin and his associates was extremely effective since most of the media outlet is under government control. Many people who only watch government channel believed that PAD is disturbing the peace and disrespecting the law. They view PAD as an evil one and view Thaksin as a good one.

[edit] Misdirection

Dr. Seree Wongmontha, famous professor of journalism once said “Thaksin is very good at playing with media. He has a lot of strategy to manipulate the information. One of the best gifts that he has is to create the story to ‘take over’ the news volume.”^{[citation needed]} He also refer to the time when the opposition parties in the House of Representative file the no-confidence motion towards him start a lengthy attack in the alimental conference. The issues that the opposition parties presented in the parliament are all critical issues regarding administration method and corruption. However, very few of these information came out to public ears because at time Thaksin spread the rumors on the street that he is considering about purchasing Liverpool Soccer Club, the world class soccer team that very famous among Thais. This potential Liverpool purchase became a headline which automatically pushed the important agenda that were being discussed in the parliament away.

In the fight with PAD, Thaksin and his associates repeat this type of strategy in order to “misdirect” people into different view and possibly forget about protesting him.^{[citation needed]} For example, Thaksin did his own “Reality Show” to “fix the poverty” in Arjsamart District, Roi-ed Province. For seven days, people were focusing on his action and PAD ridiculed as the cheap trick. After the show, people come back to protest him again. The latest attempt is the “Car Bomb” incident which many professional soldiers with battlefield experiences analysis it as a “set up” not the real one.^{[citation needed]} PAD leaders said that this car bomb is another deception by Thaksin to take people’s attention away from the beating at Central World Plaza which was the headlines at that time. Police still currently investigate this car bomb. For PAD, the car bomb is another episode of in-house drama created by Thaksin’s associates. It was nothing other than the big joke for PAD and supporters. .

[edit] Impact of the protests

• Sanoh Tientong created Pracharat Party (King's People Party).
• Privatization of EGAT was blocked.
• Election Committee were jailed.
• Internal Revenue Service top officials are under investigation.
• Kularb Kaew (Glass Roses) is under investigated for being a foreign corporation's norminee.
• Nationa Auditing Office Director, Kunying Jaruwan Menthaka was placed back in the position.
• Legal Dream team starts to resign. Wisanuu Kruangam, Bawornsak Uwanno. Pokin never shows up in News Media again.
• Legal Suits ahead - One crimical case against Thaksin -
• Administration Court received the suit by Consumer Protection Group to investigate the privatization of PTT, the same group that filed the suit to block EGAT from being privatized.
• Military Commanders were transferred to positions out side of Bangkok -
• Protesters around the globe
• Escalation of Turmoil at the Southern 3 Provinces
• Internal Pressure from Thai Rak Thai Party - Pongpol Adireksarn, the top member of TRT speaks out clearly that who ever succeed Thaksin has to set up the investigation towards Thaksin and his past activities while in premiership, in order to decrease the pressure from public towards TRT (http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/09/13/national/national_30013480.php)

[edit] The Country Split

Since the election of February 2005 that Thai Rak Thai Party of Thaksin obtained 377 seats from total 500 seats in the House of Representative (Congress), Thaksin’s Government has been the first government that was formed with single party and also, for the first time in Thai History, can maintain the full 4 year term. He was considerably having an absolute control of the country. However, after a year of Anti-Thaksin campaign organized by PAD, his popularity was sharply decreased. Many people who use to support him (Including PAD leaders; Sondhi Limthongkul who use to put all the good words for him in the past and Chamlong Srimuang who brought Thaksin into political world) are now joined PAD and protest against him.

However, with the limited channel of PAD media outlet, the information that PAD provide for public regarding the negative issues of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not reach to the majority of people. Only the middle class and the people who seek for different side of news from Government’s Press can access such information. The farmers and citizens under poverty line, whom Thais called “Grass Root” which are large majority of the country, still believe in Thaksin’s Government. PAD always stated that “these grass root are not stupid, they just do not have any opportunity to access the truth. Furthermore, Thaksin’s Government continue to drug them with low-interested loan that suppose to be invested for business but these people spend it on Cell phone, Motorcycle, Alcohol and Gambling. For those who really invested, the government did not have enough resource to help them build their business. Most of them end up with larger debt than before. But they still love Thaksin because no one ever really gives them any money and Thaksin held these people hostages because they believe that if they did not vote for Thaksin, the loan will be cancelled and their asset will be liquidated”

No matter what reasons why some hates Thaksin or loves him, the country was spited into two sides in a way that never happen before. It is true that most of the people who love Thaksin are from the lower class and most of the people who hate him are from middle and upper class, but this is far away from the clash between the classes. The divisions were actually happened else where in many social sectors of the society. For example, in Medical field, majority of them hates Thaksin but there are quite a few who loves Thaksin. Among Taxi drivers which majority of them support Thaksin, there are quite a few who hate him as well. In the History of Thailand, most political clash were happen between two groups such as college students VS villages farmers on October 6, 1976 or college students VS soldier on October 14, 1973. However, never before that the clash of two sides was happened “within” the people who belong to the same group, same background like what is currently happening. In every website, every message boards there will be a dispute of people who supports and protest Thaksin. Not a single social sector that has the same idea regarding this issue. However, as time goes by, the people who protest Thaksin seems to get a stronger support base on the announcement that have made in the name of many professional organizations and interests group that demand Thaksin to step down. On the other hand the group that support Thaksin, which still a majority of population, hardly put and effort to coordinate their campaign to support Thaksin, especially in Bangkok.

[edit] Thaksin goes on leave

On April 10, 2006 Time Asia Magazine, with the experienced news personal who familiar with political climate of South East Asia, published the article name “Silk Revolution”. Time Asia truly believed that the peaceful protest on the street arranged by PAD reached its miracle success because Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a press announcement on April 4, 2006 that “I will not accept any position after this election. I will only remain as a care taker until the new government is formed”. There has never been such a thing as a peaceful demonstration on the street that can successfully overtrown the government in South East Asian History. The act of PAD is the first.

Time Asia interpretated this as a “resignation” by Thaksin. However, after the election there is no formal transfer of power to anyone. Thaksin himself stated the press that he will take a “vacation” and already giving all the administrative authority to Police General Chitchai Wanasatit. However, eventually, he returned and resumed full authority in July 2006. There is no further article from Time Asia regarding this matter.

[edit] Violence

On August 21, 2006 at the newly-reopened Central World Plaza the first blood of the anti-thaksin campaign was sighted. Police used excessive force against men, women, and children. As of Sepmtember 12, 2006, no public apology or explanation of the events have been announced.

[edit] Establishment of the Mass Party

For more information, on popular movements, see the People power in Thailand article. For more information about the PAD's political party, see Mass Party (Thailand)

Through its televised rallies, PAD attained a great degree of political power, without becoming a political party. However, in May 2007, the PAD announced the creation of the Mass Party. The party has an unconventional political agenda, vowing not to field any MP candidates in its first five years. A party founder claimed that "If we field MP candidates, we will be trapped in vicious circles of money politics." Party co-founders included Somkeit Pongpaibul, former Palang Dharma Party leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong, and the Campaign for Popular Democracy's Pipop Thongchai.^[21]

[edit] Recent events

[edit] Police State

Sondhi mentioned since fourth "Muangthai Raisabdah Sunjorn" show that there is the group of "Police" that act as a "muscle" of the politician.

[edit] First Anniversary

September 9 is coming. Sondhi still believe that PAD can win this war. He already have a plan to celebrate

1. Exhibition of Thaksin's Thugs.
2. Chinese Opera

The Celebration will be at Sanam Luang

[edit] Desperation or Validation?

On September 6, 2006 Sondhi Limthongkul, along with his lieutenants went to submit the petition to Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, the chairman of Privy Council to seek for help in solving the nation political crisis. This Petition is certainly the message that PAD wants King Bhumibol Adulyadej to hear and intervene just like what has been happened many times in nation’s history. Gen. Prem accepted the letter but not by formal reception, he send out the Privy Council Secretary to meet Sondhi at the front gate.

[edit] PAD goes North

On September 1, 2006 - PAD announced that they will go to visit the heartland of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Chingmai Province. They also plan to visit Bureerum Province, which is considered the territory of Nevin Chitchob, the Vice Prime Minister and Thaksin's right-hand man. This act is quite questionable in terms of the real "purpose" of going such a place. Obviously, looking back at the timeline of PAD rally that has been taken place, there were hardly any events that was organized in the northern or north eastern region of Thailand. With the current large amount of supporters around the country, PAd might decide that it is time to expand their activities. Nobody argues that PAD has right to organized a peaceful street protest anywhere in the country. The Constitution of Thailand protects them.

Many PAD supporters believe that the trip to the North and North East is the operation to raise a spirit of local PAD members and spread the "truth" about Thaksin and his government. They stated that there is no such purpose of provoking the Thaksin supporters to physically attack them. They also believe that PAD wants to eliminate the image of trying to split the country into Thai North that support Thaksin and Thai South that condemn him.

[edit] Notes

1. ^ The Bangkok Post, ASTV can still air Sondhi show, 2 May 2006
2. ^ The Nation, Keep the King out of rows: Surayud, 29 November 2006
3. ^ The Nation, Eagle Thai chief dismisses Sondhi aircraft allegation, 10 December 2005
4. ^ The Nation, Kongsak denies graft in purchase of fighters, 11 December 2005
5. ^ The Nation, 80,000 turn up in park to hear critic’s latest bombshells, 10 December 2005
6. ^ The Nation, Crowds ‘like music more than Sondhi’, 27 November 2005
7. ^ The Nation, Sondhi broadcasts show from temple after ‘threat on his life’, 26 November 2005
8. ^ The Nation, Sondhi's Latest Claim: Thanong tip-off ‘profited Shin Corp’, 17 December 2005
9. ^ The Epoch Times, Huge Rally Calls for Thai PM's Resignation, 4 February 2006
10. ^ (Thai) "Nation Weekend", . "'ทัพธรรม' สู้แบบสันติ อหิงสา" Dhamma Warrior Fight with Ahimsa - March 3, 2006
11. ^ "ดร.วุฒิพงษ์ แฉเล่ห์กลทักษิณปล้นชาติ ยึดรัฐผูกขาดธุรกิจสู่เศรษฐีอันดับ 14 โลก" ("Hijack and Monopolize Thailand towards 14th Richest man in the world") Thai language article; for translation, see Thai2English.com online translator
12. ^ The Nation, Has PM turned to black magic?, The Nation, 16 March 2006
13. ^ "Removing Thaksin Mindfully" from the Sulak-Sivaraksa.org
14. ^ The Star, Dreaded day dawns – despite lies and dark forces, 2 April 2006
15. ^ The Nation, Vandal's dad distraught, 23 May 2006
16. ^ The Nation, Things to improve from now: Chidchai, 23 May 2006
17. ^ The Nation, Thaksin clearly wanted republic, critics charge 25 May 2006
18. ^ Bangkok PostSondhi expands on 'Finland Plan', 21 May 2006
19. ^ Bangkok Post, TRT goes on offensive over 'Finland Plan', 22 May 2006
20. ^ Bangkok Post, Manager sued for articles on 'Finland plot', 31 May 2006
21. ^ The Nation, "New parties sprouting already", 17 May 2006

[edit] See also

• Lookkeh Long Tang
• Muangthai Raisabdah
• Thaksinocracy

[edit] External links

• Peopls' Network to Stop Thaksinocracy
• "Silk Revolution" by Time Asia Magazine

v • d • e  2005-2006 Thai political crisis
Main events		Timeline		Key persons and organizations
Prelude South Thailand insurgency Lookkae Long Thang Thaksinocracy Main events "Thaksin Get Out" Corruption in the Suvarnabhumi Airport project Shinawatra $1.88 billion deal Finland Plot 2006 coup d'état Elections February 2005 April 2006 October 2006 (cancelled) next (2007 or 2008)		April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005		King Bhumibol Adulyadej Thaksin Shinawatra Prem Tinsulanonda Surayud Chulanont Military junta Sonthi Boonyaratglin Ruangroj Mahasaranon Interim civilian government 2006 Interim Constitution People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Sondhi Limthongkul Chamlong Srimuang Somkeit Pongpaibul Somsak Kosaisuuk Pipob Thongchai