October people to the fore

Prommin Lertsuridej, Phumtham Wechayachai, Kriengkamol Laohapairoj, and Surapong Suebwonglee, who once betrayed Thaksin to join the "Gang of Four" with Newin and former premier Samak Sundaravej, are now back helping their former boss because the desperate has few other alternatives.

Thaksin's regime was initially built by former student activists from the 1960s because he was a businessman and a political novice.

The October People had an image as thinkers and idealists. They also had connections and were well versed in mass psychology. Most importantly, they understood the masses and what grassroots people wanted. They played a crucial role in creating populist policies for Thaksin, which helped him to several election triumphs.

The October People were like Thaksin's shadow in his heyday. But he later turned to listen to other political groups and the role of the October People faded. There were some battles even, between the politicians and former activists.

Life is curious. When Thaksin was at his peak, the October People were overshadowed and kept a low profile. Now, when Thaksin is at a low ebb and politicians keep their distance, the October People have made a comeback.

And they could provide an effective comeback strategy, if they can civilise a protest movement seen by some as barbarous.

Phumtham was in charge of the latest rally of red-shirt protesters at Sanam Luang and outside Parliament last week when the mob tried to block the Democrat-led government from delivering its policy statement.

The rally was unlike the previous red-shirts' rally when protesters used metal barriers to block the gates of Parliament to oppose election of Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as PM. That mob burnt effigies, threw stones and objects through MPs' car windows, injuring officials and reporters.

Moreover, it was believed that Prommin and Pansak Vinyarat, formerly Thaksin's chief adviser, hired a lobbyist to discredit Thailand on Thaksin's order. Prommin has denied that claim.

The return of the October People may be an indication that Thaksin has shifted gears for a prolonged battle against his political rivals.