Thailand: Red Bangkok UDD (29 images)

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) are better known as the Redshirts. The present Thai government took power in 2008 without democratic elections, ousting then Prime Minister Thaksin from office. The UDD call this a dictatorship and hope for the return of Thaksin from exile. He remains popular among the rural poor of northern Thailand, mainly farmers who feel neglected by the present Abisiht government and Bangkok's educated urban elites.

These farmers and...
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The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) are better known as the Redshirts. The present Thai government took power in 2008 without democratic elections, ousting then Prime Minister Thaksin from office. The UDD call this a dictatorship and hope for the return of Thaksin from exile. He remains popular among the rural poor of northern Thailand, mainly farmers who feel neglected by the present Abisiht government and Bangkok's educated urban elites.

These farmers and their families made up the majority of the 100,000 redshirts who descended on Bangkok to rally - calling for the dissolution of the present government and immediate elections. They did not achieve their objectives and lost many lives in a brutal government crackdown. Yet, the UDD have reminded their fellow Thai's that they remain a powerful political force.
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