Thida elected to lead the red shirts
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Members of the red-shirt movement unanimously elected Thida Thawornseth, who has been working in a caretaker capacity since 2010, as their leader yesterday.
“The race was uncontested and the vote unanimous,” Pheu Thai MP Wiphuthalaeng Phattanaphuthai said.
In her acceptance speech, Thida said she was glad to be given the opportunity to serve her fellow red shirts.
“I admit there are still conflicts within the movement but all core leaders are committed,” she said, adding that she would work to overcome flaws in order to continue the struggle for democracy.
She also pledged that she would try to improve the structure of the movement at the regional level.
Last week, the red shirts organised a meeting to chart their course of activities, including the push for charter amendments. There were talks about a change in leadership and Thida was heard saying she would not cling to her position. Certain factions in the movement voiced support for Pheu Thai MP Apiwan Wiriyachai as leader, but he did not join the race.
