Battle of clappers could make matters worse

Many view the new gimmick as a sign of the worsening conflict between the feuding sides. The choice of feet is seen as improper and uncreative.

Jatuporn Phromphan, a politician from the ruling People Power Party, said the National Democratic Front against Dictatorship (NDFD) had decided to contrive the "clapping feet" to oppose the PAD's campaign.

PAD supporters have used their hand-clappers in public places in the presence of government figures, as part of the group's campaign against the administration.

TAKING ON THE HAND-CLAPPERS

The NDFD, formerly known as the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD), plans to mass-produce the "clapping feet", as well as other tools like red fists, before November 1 when it will hold a second major rally at Rajamangala Stadium.

The group held its first major rally last Saturday at Muang Thong Thani's Thunder Dome.

"The clapping feet do not symbolise the clash of ideas between the two groups. It is more to remind people, who use their hand-clappers to shoo away other people, that the act is unacceptable," Jatuporn said.

He added that he did not think the counter-move by the pro-government group would cause supporters of the two groups to clash.

However, academics disagree. Jate Donavanik, from Siam University's Faculty of Law, said the NDFD's adoption of "clapping feet" as its campaign symbol would worsen the conflict between the feuding sides.

He said that while the PAD's hand-clappers were devised to help protesters who have to clap their hands often during street rallies, the "clapping feet" device is purely aimed at opposing the PAD's symbol.

The academic voiced concern that a violent confrontation would become more likely with both sides using their devices to challenge the other.

Sombat Thamrongthanya-wong, rector of the National Institute of Development Administration, said the "clapping feet" tool would turn the rift between the two groups into an even worse symbolic battle.

He also criticised the choice of feet, which are considered lowly and impolite in Thai culture.

"The use of feet as a symbol for their fight is uncreative. They should have picked a tool that better reflects wisdom and creativity," Sombat said.