Red-Shirts movement

Good morning,

In Thailand isn’t always quiet and in harmony like the religion Buddha represent.  We were woken up by screaming voices in the street. Today was the one-year anniversary of the beginning Thailand’s anti government Red Shirts protest. Red Shirt is an anti-government organization and the members are mostly poor farmers or self-employed traders of the lower middle class who were politically and economically authorized during the Thaksin period. (‘01-‘06).  The protest of last year was one of the deadliest political movements in modern Thai history.



Photo: Red-Shirt activist Atthawut Saikua



                                    

Today four activist of “Red-shirt” are released on bail after nine months. One of the four protest leaders is Atthawut Saikua, who was accused for terrorism charges. The “Red-shirt” movement is led by the UDD (United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship).  Today’s anniversary of the start of the protests in Bangkok which ended very badly. This protest was due to the fact that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced early elections. The well-known protest lasted two month. Those two months are remembered with heavy confrontations between government forces and protestors. It has cost 91 peoples their lives and more than 1400 people were injured. Between the protesters was also a popular singer Arisman Pongruangrong, who is still arrested.

The election was one of the reasons to start a movement.  The Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called elections for late June or early July, however this was about six month to early to be required by law. The Red-Shirts would also run for parliament in those elections. Therefore some weekly demonstrations were required to be recognized as an running party. Their goal was achieved, the Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva would hold elections in November and the Red-Shirts can also run for parliament. But after a call from Thaksin Western diplomats, he suddenly changed his mind. He would fight on, with a bloody confrontation as result.  

I hope tomorrow will be more pleasant, with less chance for new confrontations.

Greetings,
Céline

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12729767