An Encounter with... Neither-Red, Nor Yellow

Name    : Ithiboon Nukulkarn

Age        : 44

Where Are You From?   : Bangkok, Thailand

Currently Residing In…   : Bangkok

What Do You Do For A Living?     : White collar

AEW   : Thanks so much for doing this. Do you actually consider yourself a ‘Yellow Shirt’ or a ‘Red Shirt’?

IN      :  No. None. I am a Non-Shirt *smiles*

AEW   : Actually, can you enlighten us – on the difference between the “Red Shirts” and the “Yellow Shirts” for those who haven’t been actively following the Thai political scene?  

IN      : From my point-of-view, the Red Shirts are the Pro-Thaksin  – they will try every means to put Thaksin back to power. The Yellow Shirts are against Thaksin – they are adamant in getting Thaksin out of the country. The Reds and the Yellows are extreme ends of each other.

AEW   : Can you briefly sum up for us on what actually led to the political crisis from 2008 – 2010? 

IN      : During Thaksin’s time in power, he reformed the Thai’s cultural and government structure and gave birth to what we call ‘Thaksin-ism’. Some Thais did not agree with that.

AEW    : And what are your thoughts about this political crisis?              

IN       :  It is a tragedy for my country. But it is better for us to hurt now and make it right for the future.

AEW   : Are you alone in your view-point or this is the general feeling of the Thai masses?

IN       :   I think in general, most white collar groups have the same view-point as me.

AEW   : Do you think the Thais are “politically matured”? As in, they know what they want for the government, from the government.     

IN      :  I think no countries in South East Asia have reached political maturity. Definitely not Thailand. Now, this political crisis has happened in Thailand. Who knows where will be next, right?

AEW   : What’s the look of Thai political progression from what you observed?        

IN      :    It is a case study for global politics. I think it is reforming itself to the right way.

AEW   : What are your hopes for Thailand as a country?      

IN      :    All things good. Cross my fingers and God bless Thailand *smiles*

AEW  :  Well, Khun Id, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. We all cross our fingers for Thailand too, ya!