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Suriyasai Katasila has proved himself to be one of Thailand’s foremost political activists. A spokesman of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, Suriyasai has been standing in the frontline, challenging and fighting the Thaksin regime in the name of People Power.
He is only in his early 30s. He has enormous energy and endless fighting spirit. He is sharp and he knows how to think in strategic terms to achieve political objectives. Over the past three months of a gruelling political battle against the Thaksin regime, Suriyasai has played a key role in designing both the offensive and defensive strategy for the PAD. Both the Thaksin government and the PAD have had equal intelligence information about their moves and counter-moves as they tried to outwit each other for political advantage.
The PAD is a political phenomenon, a reaction against the repressive Thaksin regime. Although the Thai people in general do not trust some key members of the PAD, they are willing to give it a benefit of the doubt as they focus their energy on resisting the Thaksin machine. There were some 10 million no-votes in the April 2 election, reflecting widespread resentment against Thai Rak Thai among middle-class voters.
A protege of Phiphop Thongchai, Suriyasai has risen to meet the challenge of Thai politics at the crossroads. Over the past two years, he succeeded to become secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy. This organisation’s aim is to enhance the role of people’s politics.
You have to agree that Suriyasai has passed the critical test. He now has the larger-than-life image of a political activist. Speaking to Manager Online, Suriyasai said he slept very few hours at the height of the battle. With his busy travel schedule, he has had to snatch naps in the taxis, buses or airplanes. When the PAD camped out at Sanam Luang or at the Government House to rally against Thaksin Shinawatra, he could wake up late. But then he’d have to travel upcountry to meet with PAD supporters.
It was probably the most intense period of his life. He admitted that he had to take precautions. There were calls late at night with threats against his life. Sometimes he had to deliberately avoid picking up his mobile phone, resulting in some 50-60 missed calls. When he met strangers, he had to keep on to his guard. If they were his friends, then it was all right. Otherwise, he had to stay alert.
He spoke a little bit about his private life, how he has little time for the subjects of his heart. However, he may plan to go abroad to the US or the UK for three to five years after this episode. Or he may set up a political party. He’ll decide next year.
For the time being, Suriyasai can bask in his success, which has come at a big price as his life has completely changed for better or for worse.
Keep an eye on the future of this young man, who will be a force in Thai politics for the coming decades.
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