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Thai Protesters Form New Political Party

'Yellow shirts' will contest next election, look to be major force

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 26, 2009 6:33 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The yellow-shirted protest movement that brought down two Thai governments voted to become a formal political party yesterday, adding a new force to the country's already volatile political system. The People's Alliance for Democracy, which draws support from the country's middle class and is opposed to exiled PM Thaksin Shinawatra, will contest elections next year, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The transformation of the PAD from protest group to political party gives a further boost to Sondhi Limthongkul, the movement's leader. He recently survived an assassination attempt when gunmen peppered his car with dozens of bullets. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister who came to power in the wake of the PAD protests, said yesterday he was unconcerned by the developments—even though the movement and his own party have the same supporters.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy take positions on the ground outside Suvarnabhumi international airport after the seizure during a demonstration in Bangkok, Thailand.
Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy take positions on the ground outside Suvarnabhumi international airport after the seizure during a demonstration in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong, file)
The Thai protest group that helped toppled three prime ministers and seized Bangkok's two airports last year has announced it will form a political party.
The Thai protest group that helped toppled three prime ministers and seized Bangkok's two airports last year has announced it will form a political party.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong, file)
Sondhi Limthongkul, a media tycoon who founded the 'yellow shirts' People's Alliance for Democracy movement, speaks during a news conference at his office Sunday, May 3, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sondhi Limthongkul, a media tycoon who founded the 'yellow shirts' People's Alliance for Democracy movement, speaks during a news conference at his office Sunday, May 3, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
A People's Alliance for Democracy protester shows a picture of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, after a court ruling brought down the Thai government.
A People's Alliance for Democracy protester shows a picture of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, after a court ruling brought down the Thai government.   (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Ten of thousand supporters from People's Alliance for Democracy celebrate as a court ruling brings down Thai government, at the besieged Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.
Ten of thousand supporters from People's Alliance for Democracy celebrate as a court ruling brings down Thai government, at the besieged Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
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Coverage of the PAD's move from Thailand
Bangkok Post (Thailand)

 
Thailand • Thaksin Shinawatra • People's Alliance for Democracy • Thai protesters • Abhisit Vejjajiva • Sondhi Limthongkul

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