Once a Bhirombhakdi, always a Bhirombhakdi
People's Democratic Reform Committee firebrand Chitpas "Tant" Kridakorn changed her last name from Bhirombhakdi in the wake of criticism towards her family and fears that her political views might spark a backlash against the clan's Singha beer business.
But that hasn’t stopped another family member from taking a political stand. Tant’s grandmother Khunying Supatcharee Bhirombhakdi recently donated Bt100,000 to the PDRC, which ought to buy a lot of whistles.
At first the protest leaders hesitated to identify the brewery matriarch among other donors on stage but she was willing to let her name be announced. A source says she’s not about to change her family name, so don’t even suggest that to her. Now you know where Tant inherits her courage and boldness from.
Emergency celebration
Anti-government protesters may want to thank the caretaker government for announcing a state of emergency decree. Apart from “encouraging” more people to join the rallies, the emergency decree has also inspired the “indie stage” at Chidlom to re-emerge.
One of the core organisers, actor-physician Sarawit “Dr Gong” Sookbun posted on Instagram that “thanks to the emergency decree, the indie stage will return”.
Actor-writer Kitti “Klua” chiewwongkul also confirms that the stage will be back.
“The state of emergency is like an invitation for all to come out and voice their opinions,” Klua says.
The “indie stage” or “art lane” at Chidlom near Soi Tonson will return tomorrow for three days, featuring all kinds of entertainment, including music, arts and comedy talk shows.
Klua, Pawanrat “Miew” Naksuriya and Daraneenut “Top” Pohpiti will be leading the yakfests.
Asked whether they are afraid of the state of emergency, Klua replies, “hasn’t our country already been in one?”
He adds that all the artists joining the activity are actually seeking to improve Thailand’s image. “We just add some fun and make the protest atmosphere friendly and entertaining,” he says.
