Reds spokesman objects to remarks on Thida's election
Red-shirt leaders yesterday started quarrelling about Thida Thawornseth being voted in as their new chairwoman.
Key leaders Kwanchai Praipana and Chinnawat Haboonpad were very critical about Thida’s selection, arguing that they and other regional leaders had been left out of the voting process.
“Everything was fixed because people from the South would only elect a fellow southerner,” Kwanchai said, referring to the fact that Thida hails from the South.
Red-shirt spokesman Pipatchai Paiboon shot back, saying Kwanchai had made an unacceptable slur.
Of the 30 leaders who voted Thida in, only six hailed from the South, Pipatchai said. The six are Jatuporn Promphan, Kokaew Pikulthong, Worachai Hema, Worawuth Wichaidit, Yoswalit Chooklom and Pipatchai himself.
The spokesman said Kwanchai should not have voiced such an unfair criticism, especially since it was southerners like Natthawut Saikua who had helped him overcome his legal issues and it was Thida who had taken care of him while he was in remand.
Kwanchai had initially asked for the election to be delayed so red-shirt leaders in other parts of the country could also participate.
At a meeting of red-shirt leaders a few weeks ago, Kwanchai had suggested that the election be held after the movement’s gathering in Khao Yai on February 25. However, some argued that the leader should be voted in before the event because the voting was “sacred”.
