04-10-09 Red Shirts (UDD)

Although I try not to get political, the Red Shirts, United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), are demonstrating here in Thailand.

Now, it is great to know that we are living in a country that allows freedom of speech and peaceful demonstrations.

As stated on UPI.com, the demonstrators are supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2005 but ousted in a military coup in 2006. Thai newspaper The Nation reported Wednesday several thousand people surrounded the home of Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, whom Thaksin accused of orchestrating the coup.

According to government officials, 10,000 police officers and military troops have been deployed in central Bangkok. Pattaya is also on high alert because the 14th Aesan Summit is starting today.

From the LA Times reports, Chanisa Rangtes, a 27-year-old receptionist, said the gathering of protesters in central Bangkok caused worse problems than the usual traffic jams and noise pollution.

"This isn't going to do any good for our society. People will get hurt and it will ruin our reputation, which is already getting bad. In the end we don't get anything," she said. "I'm not sure if it's even really about democracy."

After reading many newspaper articles and watching hours of television news channels I agree with Chanisa Rangtes.

As far as I am concerned, it is nice to be an American where you can just vote for someone else and change the present elected official that does not do what the majority wants.

The demonstrations by the UDD are hurting Thailand economically, too. Who want to come to Thailand with the news media showing unrest here.

I now have a RED SHIRT.

WHERE IS MY MONEY?

We are safe in northern Thailand and getting ready for the Thailand Holiday of Songkran (New Year).