Working Women strut out at PAD's centre stage

While most protesters end up involved in some form of confrontation, bloody or not, in Thailand they look for ways to make their days more interesting.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have set up booths to provide various services, including free haircuts for men and women and body and foot massages (Bt100 per visit). There is even a training course for those who want to learn how to make soy milk.

The protest organisers also have their own ways of keeping the public's interest on a leash. The PAD recently turned to ordinary working women as part of its new attempt to oust the government, this time of Samak Sundaravej, who they accuse of being a proxy of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Shortly after resurrecting its public campaign, the PAD opted for celebrities, rock stars and well-known socialites. But over the past week, PAD has shifted its strategy by expanding the spotlight to include ordinary women.

These secret weapons come from all walks of life. They don't have much in common, except the fact they can speak very loudly.

Fully aware of the power of TV, these ladies - from owners of roadside eateries to small retailers - try to make the best of their brief moment of fame. They figure that if they are to go on stage to put their necks on the line for their political beliefs and in support of the PAD, they want to do it in style.

So it's no surprise to see each of these ladies come to the rally with their own fan club and cheerleaders equipped with posters and loud support.

Some of the placards read "Pretty woman from Potaram", and "PAD from Sri Racha".

It was as if the PAD protest site had become a rock concert where various groups compete for a grand prize - a sort of Academy Fantasia.

If this strategy is any indication, other groups might be called to the microphone. Who knows, perhaps a new young-blood politician is out there waiting to be discovered.

jintana@nationgroup.com