Reds, yellows join hands

In Phayao, the anti-government UDD and their arch-rival the PAD have agreed to work together for the common good of the people

• Published: 30/10/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The yellow shirts and red shirts in Phayao province have agreed to bridge the political divide and work together for the common good of residents.

Members of the yellow and red shirt groups meet for a chat at a local coffee shop in downtown Phayao. Third from left is Chumpol Leelanont, coordinator of the yellow shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy and second from right is Siriwat Jupamattha, coordinator of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship. PHOTOS BY SAIARUN PINADUANG

Their efforts have been hailed as a model for bringing about reconciliation between rival political groups elsewhere.

The Phayao reconciliation originated from a forum held on Oct 6 last year that brought together leaders and members of the local chapters of both the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship and the yellow shirt People's Alliance for Democracy.

They went to the forum with differing views but emerged with a realisation that it would be best to share common ground and respect each other.

Most importantly, they agreed there is so much they can achieve together. Their overriding priority is to work together in the best interests of their province.

Siriwat Jupamattha, 42, a coordinator of the red shirt movement in Phayao, let it be known that he was ready for constructive dialogue with the yellow shirts to ease political differences.

"I am willing to exchange views with all sides - and the yellow shirts, of course," he said.

"The situation has now changed. What was done in the past did not serve any good purpose. We now need to work together and find a solution. I think this is a good start."

From http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/203935/reds-yellows-join-hands