Thailand's Social Movement, The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship

Introduction

The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, or most commonly known to the international community as the Red Shirts, is a social movement formed to protest against the 2006 coup d'état by the military in Thailand, and subsequently the People’s Alliance for Democracy, or the Yellow Shirts. They believe in a political and judicial system that ensures their universal human rights and justice that in currently lacking in Thailand.

Background of Thailand

Thailand has been in military rule for most of its modern history since its establishment as a kingdom in 1932. For large parts of the 1970s, many rural areas were strictly controlled for national security. Democratic elections were initially held only in 1988, and even then disturbed by military coups in 1991 and 2006.

Thailand is mostly ruled by the elites in society, particularly the military junta and the rich and influential in Bangkok. Most prime ministers since military rule have been retired generals, who often create political parties based on their own personalities. In addition, Thailand’s aristocratic classes also carry significant power and influence. The country’s head of state, King Bhumiphol Adulyadej has ruled since 1946, and has occupied a position of usually overwhelmingly strong support from the Thai society. He is widely respected and influential, and used to intervene in political crises and influence the government.

The rural poor have often been neglected by in Thai politics, until the emergence of Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Rise of Thaksin

Thaksin did not come from Thailand’s older elites, but instead was born in Chiang Mai from a relatively lower class background as a police officer. He made a fortune for providing mobile phones and communi...

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...nt and the Democrat party for illegitimate representation in the government

5. lack of social control - the entity that is to be changed must be at least somewhat open to the change; if the social movement is quickly and powerfully repressed, it may never materialize

The Red Shirts are not repressed, instead they are a big force to be reckoned with, especially popular with the rural and urban poor,

6. mobilization - this is the actual organizing and active component of the movement; people do what needs to be done

The Red Shirts mobilized supporters to stage political protests in Bangkok against the Democrat government. They called for then Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament and hold elections earlier than the end of term elections scheduled in 2012. It resulted in deaths of more than 80 civilians and 6 soldiers, and more than 2,100 injured.