However due to the use of a new aesthetic toolbox, artistic protests nowadays are more creative, incorporating a variety of mediums and techniques that aim to complement the modern movement which is focused on a non-violent victory.

During the October 14, 1973 and October 6, 1976 protests, artists, musicians and poets used simple symbols like Thai flags to symbolise the nation and doves to refer to freedom of expression. Most banners were almost exclusively text-based with little diversity of colours. The Thai flag's hues - red, white and blue - dominated the statements.

But today's banners, posters and cut-outs are designed using all of the techniques of modern pop art. Messages are very strong, direct and straightforward, taking Thaksin and his corrupt administration to task. Figurative paintings of square-shaped portraits of Thaksin with satirical captions are widely dispersed throughout the protest sites. His portrait is also featured on pins, T-shirts and stickers.

Besides professional artists, the ordinary protesters - most of whom are well-educated people - have also created their own banners expressing their unique individual take on the government. These expressions are also frequently accompanied by text to convey the more figurative concepts, such as "Temasek: accessory to crime".

In this information era, a traditional medium like painting is supported by hi-tech mediums enabled by computers. Huge monitors are not only being used as communication tools to disseminate the speakers' orations, but also as screens to display innovative satirical messages.

Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the movement's leaders, uses computer-generated images to illustrate his thoughts and campaign. The imaginative and fun content playing on Thaksin's policies has raised questions in the local advertising crowd about who is making such interesting presentations.

After the Hyde Park speechmaking period, satirical Chinese opera, or ngew, is often performed by the Kingdom's only politically active troupe, from Thammasat University, a spectacle that always steals the show. Besides the colourful costumes and cleverly improvised lip-synch performances, the up-to-date scripts feature humorous messages sprinkled with a few rude words to make protesters laugh. Performers are Thammasat alumni who come from different walks of life, but they have once again taken to the stage because of the political crisis in the country.

Songs-for-life music composed by the late thinker Jitr Bhumisak are being sung once again by veteran vocalists like Nga Caravan and Pongsit Kampee. Peace, freedom, democracy, equality and unity are the parallel messages of Jitr's songs. Some activists/artists who are considered old hands, like Vasan Sitthikate and Chai Blue especially, have composed new songs with direct, strongly worded lyrics intent on chasing Thaksin out of office.

Not only song-for-life musicians, which are always on the front line at any protest, but also young musicians who hate Thaksin's rule are sharing the stage this time around. Chulachakra Charabongse, a member of the Royal family who is better known as rocker Hugo of the pop rock band Sib Lor, is among the regular entertainers on stage. Late at night, underground DJs take turn spinning dance music in another form of expression as well as underground hip hop performers.

The atmosphere at these protest rallies seems almost more like a music gig than a political crisis - much more relaxed and fun than in past demonstrations. Some participants probably do not care much about political issues, but they join the demonstrations to be part of the historical events and also to have some fun. To keep protesters participating for as long as possible, entertainment and art will help keep them more relaxed in the context of the hard-hitting speeches.

With the lighter atmosphere, some critics have commented that the activist/artists may be losing the strength of their message. But some artists have responded that such a sanook-friendly atmosphere is almost certainly getting many more protestors to attend.

Artistic expression reflects freedom of expression in its purest sense, but it should by based on positive thinking. Clever, thought-provoking art is not necessarily profane or rude. Polite, clean and smart expression has more impact anyway.

Phatarawadee Phatarawanik

The Nation