A northeastern red-shirt leader is refusing to mend a rift with the chairwoman and a co-leader of his organisation.
Kwanchai Praipana, head of the Khon Rak Udon (People Who Love Udon) faction of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), was adamant yesterday that northeastern red shirts would go it alone after their rift with UDD chairwoman Tida Tawornseth.
He said leaders of red-shirt factions from 20 northeastern provinces met in Lamphun province last Monday and resolved they would not join any red-shirt activities with Mrs Tida because they were upset with her decisions.
He expressed disappointment with Mrs Tida saying she had banned leaders of northeastern red-shirt factions from making speeches on UDD stages.
"My group can have its own stages ... as we dislike the leadership of Mrs Tida, we speak of it straightforwardly ... Aren't we democratic?
"We have demanded democracy. Why don't you listen to reservations about the chairwoman from people in 20 northeastern provinces?" Mr Kwanchai said.
He blasted UDD co-leader Jatuporn Prompan for accusing him of trying to destroy the UDD with his remarks criticising Mrs Tida.
Mr Kwanchai said he was only dissatisfied with Mrs Tida and had no problems with the UDD.
He also said it was unnecessary for him to reconcile with Mr Jatuporn.
"I will move on to strengthen the red-shirt people in 20 northeastern provinces with my own experience," Mr Kwanchai said.