Yingluck’s loyalists say love, not money, behind support

Her supporters interviewed by The Nation denied speculation that they had been organised to show support, insisting that they had come on their own initiative with the trip costing them only a few hundred baht, which they could pay from their own pockets.
The former prime minister delivered her closing statements yesterday in the case linked to her government’s controversial rice-pledging scheme.
Dressed in black, Yingluck was warmly welcomed by her supporters who arrived at the scene as early as 5am. They pushed one another to get close to her, with some offering her flowers and others cheering “Yingluck fight on, fight on”. 

Hundreds of riot-control police from the Metropolitan Police Bureau were deployed at the Supreme Court where fences were erected, but that did not discourage the crowd.
Residents of Yingluck’s hometown of Chiang Mai, including 65-year-old Kobsiri Nilkaew, travelled in a group and shared the cost of renting a car. Kobsiri said her children had given her Bt300, which she had shared with her friends for the car rental. 
She also insisted that no one had paid them to attend the gathering, which they did because they felt the former prime minister was being treated unjustly. 
Kobsiri also pledged to come to Bangkok again on August 25 when the verdict is expected, although she said she had little confidence in a positive ruling for Yingluck.
People who travelled from regions in the East and the Northeast also shared similar experiences, saying they had rented vans for no more than Bt500 each.

Another supporter said a group had left Chon Buri together in a van at around 3.30am and arrived at the court before the closing statement was delivered.
The supporter said they had brought their own breakfast to save money, which they ate while waiting for Yingluck to arrive.
“Who would hire us if we come here for her based on our hearts? We emptied our wallets, spending money for the van, and bringing our breakfast without bothering anyone. Those saying we were hired have ill intentions,” the supporter told The Nation.
“I came here based on my heart because I can’t see justice,” concurred Sathaporn Rakkid, 76, from Khon Kaen.