Financial district sends mixed message
Leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy call on bystanders to join Saturday’s anti-Thaksin rally as they march along Silom Road in Bangkok yesterday. Tens of thousands of protestors joined the march, many shouting “Thaksin Get Out!”
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Mixed emotions shadowed yesterday's anti-Thaksin Shinawatra march through Bangkok's financial district along Silom Road.
Bystanders were divided on the merits of the movement to oust the prime minister.
Some flanked the march as the protestors made their way along the street - voicing their support - while others let it be known they were growing tired of the protracted stand-off.
"It's okay and I'm sending my support to the movement," said Wayut Zupapodok, an employee at a nearby financial firm, as thousands of people walked past him shouting "Thaksin Get Out!" Others, such as the middle-aged seamstress at the foot of the stairs leading to Sala Daeng Skytrain station, insisted she too was a patriot, but was fed up with the anti-Thaksin movement.
"The prime minister is good but he can't please everyone. People shouldn't just march when they don't get what they want. They say they're patriots, but everyone loves the country ... perhaps [the marchers] have [personal] conflicts with the premier," she said.
"Let me be neutral," said Luan Waenthongkham, a pork rice-porridge vendor.
"They can't change my mind but I hope people will be nice to one another."
Marchers shouted anti-Thaksin war cries, urging those standing by to help stop Thaksin from turning Thailand into another Argentina. Some warmed to the message.
"It's good. I like it," said 39-year-old Pornthip, as she stood in her gym clothes in front of the California Wow Fitness Centre next to the CP Building. "But I don't want it to be prolonged. I feel sorry for the core leaders [of the People's Alliance for Democracy]."
Waving a Thai flag handed to her by one of the marchers, Pornthip said Thaksin was unethical.
"I want my children to have a roof over their heads. I don't want Thailand turned into another Argentina," she said.
"This is the best," added an equally excited female companion, Sudjai Chaothai.
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation
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