Students at rally say 'We're merely activists'

_ Phakin Issayaworachot, a senior student at Rangsit University and veteran of rallies by the Young People’s Alliance for Democracy (Young PAD), Young Pitak Siam, and the People’s Army to Overthrow the Thaksin Regime.

“I was among the first of a 100-strong group of the [anti-government] People’s Army that gathered in Lumpini Park on August 4. Student power has not disappeared. Students are always at the front in political rallies. If police break up protests, we are the ones being hurt on the front line. I think it’s a good strategy. If police use violence against protesters, they are seen as adults bullying youngsters.

“I don’t know how long the Urupong rally will last but I hope we will win. My ultimate goal is to bring down ‘monopoly capital’ and pressure the government to find solutions to economic problems.”

 

_ Werapan Pradub, president of Surat Thani Rajabhat Students Organisation and a member of the Young Democrats, was a protester at last month’s rallies by rubber farmers in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. 

“I came here with seven friends to join the Urupong group with high hopes that it would reform Thailand. We want no monopoly of power by one person and no double standards. My parents told me to take care of myself. They are worried about me, but I think this is a big and important battle to fight.

“I can confirm that the Democrats have not given us their backing, though the party’s chief adviser Chuan Leekpai is my idol. He impresses me as a leader who thinks of the common interest and maintains politeness. But I will not allow politicians or PAD leaders to take over this student rally. We are mere activists.”