Reuters, April 17, 2009
Following are key facts about the PAD, a motley group of royalist businessmen, academics and a retired major-general that has been a main mover in Thailand's long-running political crisis...
* In Thailand each day is marked by a different color; yellow is the color for Monday, the day on which the King was born.
* Founded in September 2005 by media proprietor Sondhi Limthongkul, a disgruntled former business associate of the prime minister at the time, Thaskin Shinawatra.
* The PAD swelled into a major anti-Thaksin street movement, especially when it hooked up with Major-General Chamlong Srimuang, an ascetic Buddhist who led a successful "people power" uprising against military rule in 1992.
* Its protests were key to the political turmoil that led ultimately to the 2006 coup against Thaksin.
[Siam Report]
* The PAD reconstituted itself in March 2008 after disbanding following the September 19th 2006 military coup. On March 13th, the PAD announced it would restart its anti-government movement on March 28 at Thammasat University to protest what it calls the government's attempt to revive a "police state", interference in the Assets Examination Committee (AEC), and the justice system (Nation, March 13, 2008). The PAD hit the streets again on May 25, 2008, rallying at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road, protesting the proposed constitutional amendments by the PPP-led government.
* On June 20, 2008, the PAD took over Government House and demanded the resignation of PM Samak Sundaravej. (Bangkok Post, June 21, 2008, NDTV Video) The PAD later broadened its protests, blocking provincial train and airport operations (NYT, August 29, 2008).
* On October 6, 2008, PAD protesters surrounded the Parliament building announcing their "final battle" against the PPP government. PAD leader Sondhi said, "Our fight has only 100 metres left, so we ask for PAD supporters to gather at the parliament for our final battle." (CNA, October 6, 2008) The following day police tried to disperse the PAD protesters, resulting in hundreds of injuries and two deaths (CNA, October 7, 2008, BBC, November 28, 2008). Amidst the mayhem, one police officer was run over by a pickup truck, with the driver then backing over the body in its getway (Channel 5 News Video). Days after the events, the Queen of Thailand and PM Abhisit Vejjajiva attended the funeral of the PAD protester (Channel 3 News, October 13, 2008).
* On November 24, 2008, PAD protesters surrounded Parliament and called on PM Somachai Wongsuwat and his government to resign (BBC, November 28, 2008). The following day the PAD seized the Suvarnabhumi international airport and the older Don Muang international airport (The Nation, November 25, 2008, Video (1) (2).
* On April 17, 2009, armed gunmen fired on the vehicle of PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul. Sondhi suffered a shrapnel injury to the head. His driver and aide were also injured in the attack (Times Online, April 18, 2009, CNN video)
* PAD supporters gathered on May 25, 2009 at Thammasat University's main stadium and gave their consent to form a political party. On June 2nd, the party adopted the name New Politics Party. (Bangkok Post, June 2, 2009).
* On September 19, 2009 (coup anniversary), the PAD held a protest in Sa Saket province to press Thai claims over disputed territory surrounding the Pra Vihear temple (Thai-Cambodia border). The rally spun out of control injuring dozens of people. (Al Jazeera Video, Bangkok Post, 09/20/09)
[Reuters continued]
* Current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva -who was acceptable to the PAD -was elected prime minister by parliament in December 2008 after defections by pro-Thaksin lawmakers.
* The PAD's main draw card has been defense of the monarchy and 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, regarded as semi-divine by many Thais, in the face of what they say is a bid by the Thaksin camp to turn Thailand into a republic. Thaksin and his supporters deny any challenge to the throne.
* There have been questions about the PAD's motives and backers. Its contempt for the results of general elections comfortably won by Thaksin or his allies has led to suggestions it represents neither the people nor democracy. PAD has said 70 percent of MPs should be appointed rather than elected.
* The alliance says it is funded by public donations. Analysts suspect it is also bankrolled by anti-Thaksin business interests, parts of the army or even factions within the palace.
* The PAD has a radio station, satellite TV channel, several sympathetic newspaper titles and a slick, popular website. [ASTV/Manager]
* In the past it has shown an uncanny ability to keep itself in the public eye and drive the domestic political agenda, jumping on issues such as a dispute with Cambodia over a 900-year-old Hindu temple to whip up anger against a pro-Thaksin government last year.
Also see Chang Noi & Shawn Kelley for backgound. A pro-PAD website here has more "information" on the group and its activities.
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