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Published on August 8, 2007

Images from Bangkok's Sanam Luang and Manchester's Albert Square tell a tale of two cities. The two are now intriguingly related, redefining the way Thai politics is fought and blurring the lines between image and reality.

At Sanam Luang, the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD), with some 3,000 supporters, has been holding rallies against the military junta. It has also urged the Thai public to vote "no" in the constitutional referendum on August 19.

At Albert Square over the weekend, the ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra threw a big bash for the fans of Manchester City Football Club, which he now owns. Some 8,000 City fans thronged Albert Square for free Thai food and a chance to glimpse the new owner of their favourite team. It was a day of joy and celebration.

In Bangkok, nine leaders of the DAAD - including Veera Musigapong, Jakrapob Penkair, Jatuporn Phromphan and Natthawut Saikua - were jailed over allegations that they sparked off street turmoil in front of the residence of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council. Some DAAD supporters had hurled bricks and other things at his home. But the nine leaders have since been released on bail of around Bt200,000 each.

They succeeded handsomely in winning headlines after their collective political act.

The DAAD represents the living remnants of the regime of the ousted prime minister. At times it appears that the DAAD aims to get the attention of an international audience. Its main target is Gen Prem, whom it accuses of masterminding the September 19 coup. Thaksin holds a grudge against Prem, whom he vows he will never forgive.

The mood in Bangkok and Manchester were completely different. But they carried the same underlying message: Thaksin is not somebody you can easily write off.

The DAAD has been hitting below the belt, casting itself as a movement to restore democracy. Although the court has barred its leaders from speaking to crowds or instigating any protests, the leaders have insisted that they have the right to join the movement for democracy. In other words, Thaksin is equivalent to democracy.

While the DAAD might look like an ugly show, the Manchester City event represents a clean show, if not a public relations coup, for the ousted prime minister. The Bt8-billion Manchester City deal represents a success for the Thai tycoon, who has made it big in the international arena.

David Ottewell of the Manchester Evening News wrote that Thaksin cast his spell over a crowd of 8,000 delirious City fans at a massive public party.

"The club's new owner signalled his ambition by laying on the bash in Albert Square - complete with free food, a chance to meet new manager Sven Goran Eriksson and his team, and performances by some of Thai-land's biggest musical stars," he wrote.

"But it was Thaksin who stole the show by taking to the stage to join a rendition of the City anthem as the evening drew to a close."

Earlier Thaksin had said: "I feel very honoured and touched by the kind of reception I have received. I am very thankful.

"The concert tonight is to express my sincere thanks to all of you. I really appreciate that you have accepted me as part of the Manchester community. Together we will make Manchester City known world-wide."

During City's match against Valencia of Spain, Thaksin watched much of the game from a front-row seat. His brother, Phayap Shinawatra, was sitting near him, as was his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat. They all wore blue neckties.

City fans had been so keen to get his autograph that several stripped off their shirts and hurled them at his security guards for him to sign.

Many of the fans seemed won over after Saturday's bash.

"It's absolutely brilliant," said Tom Chambers, from Sale. "I'm glad he's come and he's serious about the club. The Thai people here are saying he was the best thing that ever happened to them."

Paul Sullivan, a 56-year-old civil servant, said the night had been "bizarre" but added: "He's convinced me that he means business."

Even though he is living in exile, Thaksin still has ammunition at his disposal. Thais are crazy about football and now they will see him in the executive box live on TV every time Manchester City plays a game.

The ghost of Thaksin is still alive and kicking.

The Political Desk

The Nation