The Pitak Siam Group

Below is an excerpt from my morning note, for the first time, praised by my company's president.

Good morning,

Written on Oct 29, 2012

Politics: Anti-government protest groups yesterday turned up in force at the Royal Turf Club in the Nang Loeng area, with people participating around 20,000 (see pic1). The event led by the Pitak Siam group, the multi-colored- shirts, and supporters from the Democrat Party. Keynote speakers were also largely those who joined the anti-Thaksin group (PAD) pointing many issues but the interesting one was to protect the institution of the monarchy. Meanwhile, a caravan of red shirts cruises along Ratchadamnoen Avenue a day before the Pitak Siam mass meeting (see pic2), as part of citywide rally to demand justice for those who died during April-May 2010 clashes with security forces. It seems things are gradually getting tenser. My hunch is that both sides will summon its crowd again soon. Be cautious.

Meanwhile, HM the King has already endorsed PM Yingluck’s new cabinet, with red-shirt co-leader Jatuporn being overlooked again for a cabinet position. Undoubtedly, several key red-shirt members have disappointed but at least Nattawut, another red-shirt co-leader, have been selected as Deputy Commerce Minister (shifted from Deputy Agriculture Minister). On economic side, DPM and Finance Minister Kittirat will remain at the helm despite talks of Thaksin’s dissatisfaction over his performance as well as his word of the year ‘white lie’.