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Red shirt leader Natthawut Saikua has shrugged off criticism of his appointment as deputy agriculture and cooperatives minister, saying he will work for people of "all colours" though his political agenda will remain the same.
Mr Natthawut took up his post officially yesterday despite having been charged with terrorism involving his leading role in the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship rallies between March and May 2010.
Controversy surrounding the terrorism charges has raised concerns about the appropriateness of his appointment as well as whether he has enough experience to help lead the ministry.
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Red-shirt supporters have expressed dismay over ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's call for them to set aside their anger and frustration over social and legal injustices for the sake of national reconciliation.
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Discussion 8 : 26/01/2012 at 10:57 AM8
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Discussion 7 howell: Nowadays when thai people are facing any sorts of threatening, they can reveal such cases to the police or even the news media like Channel 3. This is already 21st century era and thai people are not as naive as what you think.
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Discussion 7 : 25/01/2012 at 11:34 PM7
@android. 'Control of people's thinking by setting up the red shirt village appears to be an illogical spectulation.' What about the people who are not red ? There are first hand reports of people being ostracized and bullied so much so that that they dare not express their opinion.
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Discussion 6 : 25/01/2012 at 09:50 PM6
Anyone remembers how free people were to express their views and voice their political opinion,not to mention voting for any party of their choice,in the Kampuchean villages "freed" by the Khmer Rouge back in the days ? Well,the red villages of Thailand are no different.
Discussion 5 : 25/01/2012 at 06:47 PM5
People in red shirt villages are mature adults who know exactly what they should do and not to do. They have the right to have ther own political stance and vote for their favourite political party in the election. Control of people's thinking by setting up the red shirt village appears to be an illogical spectulation.
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Discussion 4 : 25/01/2012 at 01:40 PM4
This is not a symbolic gesture it is a way to control people in a certain area and make sure they do what the bosses want. People have been marginalized and discriminated in such areas as they did see things – politically speaking – different. I know myself as I know some of this people. There is for sure not something like a family roof regarding the Thai society, maybe a roof which protects certain families!
Discussion 3 : 25/01/2012 at 09:44 AM3
Discussion 1 geoffo: the red shirt villages is only a symbolic gesture declaring the villagers' political stance. But their loyalty to the Thai nation and country remain unchanged like under the same family roof.
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Discussion 2 : 25/01/2012 at 09:12 AM2
A proclaimed Red area would take away the freedom of expression of those who in the area would hold opposing opinions, as it has already done so in some areas of Kalasin, Thailand. I know because I've recently returned from there where anti-reds speak in whispers if at all.
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Discussion 1 : 25/01/2012 at 05:58 AM1
A red Shirt province : "freedom of expression". But another story if the idea does not benefit the overall image of Thailand or democracy." how could it benefit the country to have a breakaway provience. The people down South will say , thank you and the country will end up in three parts. A dangerous escalation promoted by two old dreamers.
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