Dismiss Petchawat from government post
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The recent assault and beating of "white mask" protesters in Chiang Mai by red shirts was a reminder, if any were needed, that red shirts are willing and able to inflict violence on those they disagree with. The Chiang Mai case is special, however, becaus
The man heading the group then and now is Petchawat Wattanasirikul. Throughout his reign as leader of CM51, the group has been responsible for some of the worst red-shirt violence in the country, and they are threatening further action against an upcoming lawful protest.
The upshot is that Petchawat does not just head CM51, he is also a government minister – an adviser to the Human Development and Security minister in Prime Minister Yingluck’s Cabinet. This is unacceptable. Taking into account the group’s track record and its continuing willingness to inflict violence, Petchawat should be dismissed from his post – at the very least.
Some might shrug and say there are many other red shirts in the government, so what does one more matter? But a man heading a group so committed to hatred and intolerance stands out from the pack.
Petchawat is not a well-known figure in Thailand, but today his name should be on everyone’s lips. Yingluck should make the right decision here and dismiss this unworthy thug from his government post.
Bangkok Dave
Bangkok
