Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thai Patriots Network

Sadly a new group is beginning to rear its ugly head in Thailand. The "Thai Patriot Network" (TPN) is currently in the news because its leader is being held in a Cambodian Jail. The TPN is an off shoot of the yellow shirt movement or (PAD). Pad were the group redponsible for the take over of Government House and the Bangkok Airports in 2008. They support the Democratic ruling party, although recent events have strained the relationship.

I think that the TPN is a dangerous group, any group that tries to whip up nationalist further by having a go at another people is trouble. We have it in the UK with the BNP and the EDF. I hope the TPN aren't as extreme as those two, but recent events seem to indicate that they like controversy.

Two of the detained are the leader of TPN and his Secretary, whilst they were detained with five others on Cambodian soil just after Christmas, the two TPN activists have been charged with espionage as well. This is a serious offence. Yesterday day in court the leader, Veera Somkwamkid would not give evidence in court because he wanted an interpritor from the Thai Embassy. He seems to like pissing the Cambodians off!


The Thai 7 on Cambodian soil just before the arrest!

Today the TPN is marching on Government House to demand action from the Government on the preceedings. They have also threatened to close the Border at Sa Kaeo. (A crossing I know well). This immediately bought a protest by locals against the TPN.

Everyone is waiting to see what strength the TPN can muster today, estimates from 50 to 5000 have been bandied about, they need to show a BIG show of strength to gain any credibility, especially after the Red Shirts fielded 30000 at the weekend.

One thing the TPN should remember is a saying the Americans use. Don't get Cambodian on my ass! The Cambodians might not but up there with Thailand as a 2nd world country, but they've gone through a lot in the last 50 years to get were they are. They are a tough people who when enraged won't avoid confrontation, but will go mental. Be careful what you wish for TPN.

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