Group fights 'dictatorship' linked to Thaksin

How did it begin and how do you think it will develop?

We want to cajole people to be aware and create a Thai version of the “Arab Spring” and educate people who do not know about the mask as to the meaning of the mask and why it is being used to oppose parliamentary dictatorship and corruption. It’s a universal symbol known all over the world.

The world ought to be aware of what is happening in Thailand, in particular what the prime minister said in Mongolia, which was only a little true. Constitutional amendments [proposed by the government] are just a change for the interest of politicians, nothing to do with people’s well-being. Meanwhile, the push for an amnesty law, and the red shirts’ pressure on the Constitutional Court, are deemed wrong.

We want to declare that we ought not be afraid of the government, and that it is the government that ought to be afraid of the people. We plan to work with Pol General Vasit Dejkunjorn, who initiated the Thai Spring group.

Have you discussed how your group will cooperate with the Thai Spring group?

We have had preliminary talks and are waiting for the Thai Spring group to consider this. Whatever our future activity, safety comes first as we emerge from cyberspace and into the real world. We’re trying to check the number of people and awaiting a date in real life to demonstrate people’s rights and our refusal to accept parliamentary dictatorship that works for the benefit of corrupt politicians above the interest of the nation and the people.

 

Why choose the mask as the symbol?

Because the mask is an ideology unlike people behind the mask who may hesitate or change [their thinking]. But the ideology of righteousness has never changed.

Guy Fawkes is a symbol of opposition to parliamentary dictatorship, who manipulate the media and shut the ears and eyes of the people. Our group thinks that Thai politics is in a most sham state and it’s just about electoral voice and benefits politicians and big businesses.

What we can’t accept is the burning of cities in 2010. Many have been greatly affected by this, be it their property or lives. 

As long as the culprits are still at large and amnesty bill is being pushed and taxpayers’ money being paid to “heal” red shirts, we won’t accept it and a civil-war-like violent retaliation will be difficult to avoid. 

If we can make people realise their rights, they might come out to use their right of expression. They might come out and gather for a few hours against any topic they disagree with, just like in developed countries like Germany. That would be a beginning of democracy, as it is supposed to be, not like what we face nowadays.