Wider rifts are appearing among anti-government protestors occupying Sanam Luang as the leader of the Thai Patriotic Network denounced further joint protests with its former ally, Palang Thammatippatai, a group of men dressed in communist uniforms. This leaves about 200 protestors still camping out and calling for the removal of the government led by Yingluck Shinawatra.
Chaiwat Sinsuwong, former leader of yellow shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy and now spokesperson for the Thai Patriotic Network, led about 100 people to protest Yingluck’s first day of work as Minister at the Ministry of Defence on Thursday, before announcing that the network will cease its protest due to lack of financial resources and internal conflicts.
Chaiwat Sinsuwong, leader of theThai Patriotic Network
The Thai Patriotic Network and Palang Thammatippatai, together with the National Farmers Council of Thailand, forms the Thai People’s Network which calls for the overthrow of the Thaksinomics regime as well as the “evil capitalist system.”
Originating with the aim of reclaiming disputed land near Preah Vihear temple, it started its “long march” near Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, in March and has been encamped on Sanam Luang since May.
Suchart Srisang, leader of Palang Thammathippatai and himself a former member of the Communist Party of Thailand, said the conflict between the groups began during the long march and still persists.
Suchart Srisang, leader of Palang Thammatippatai
“It’s agreed that Palang Thammatippatai is the leader of this network, but in the end we were not consulted about actions, resulting in mistakes. This violates our joint agreement [as a collective movement]” said Suchart
Yesterday the Thai Patriotic Network removed the tents set up jointly at Sanam Luang and halted its live transmission from the rally site on its Siam13 TV network.
Palang Thammatippatai, consisting of around 1,000 ex-communist fighters according to Suchart, has vowed to remain at Sanam Luang until the government is toppled. The Yingluck administration is a part of the “Shin Family” which needs to be rooted out, while the monarchy should be elevated, said Suchart.
Questioned by some about the symbolic use of communist uniforms while supporting the monarchy, Suchart, who once was MP for the Chart Thai Pattana, Thai Rak Thai and Bhumjai Thai parties, said the Royal Family is benevolent to the Thai people, unlike “evil capitalists” who use populist policies to exploit the people.
“I do not think electing MPs could solve any problem, that is why I’m here in this movement,” said Suchart. “We don’t want a revolution led by the army. We want the people to rise up, that’s what we want to see. Whether the army would follow us, we wouldn’t know.”
For the Nation and the Monarchy
