Bangkok: Red Shirt protesters gathered in a circle to eat papaya salad in front of the prison, chanting "We love Thaksin," expressing their support for their beloved prime minister.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere in front of Klong Prem Central Prison since noon has seen a group of Red Shirts gather to support former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently detained at the prison. The highlight of the event began at 3:00 PM, when a loudspeaker truck was brought in to play music and give a speech outlining the purpose of the event. A som tam (green papaya salad) dish was also prepared for the evening meal.
The group then spread mats on the ground along the sidewalk and distributed papaya salad, their main dish, for the masses to eat together as a group, along with red drinks to symbolize the Red Shirts. Before eating, they raised their glasses of red drinks and shouted "Cheers" and "We Love Thaksin" three times in unison to show their strength and support for Thaksin.
Throughout the activity, police from Prachachuen Police Station were present to maintain peace and order along Ngam Wong Wan Road. Inside the prison grounds, officers from the Department of Corrections were present to maintain peace and order.
Worachai Hema, a former Pheu Thai Party MP for Samut Prakan and a core leader of the red shirts, also stated that those who have been in prison know the hearts of those incarcerated. Moral support is the most important factor in encouraging prisoners to stay. Without it, they may feel abandoned by those outside. Therefore, the red shirts came to support former Prime Minister Thaksin, insisting that "everyone came together of their own accord. There was no organization, and not a single baht was paid." He added that when the court issued an order, they accepted the decision and that he did not flee, demonstrating his resolute heart. He went to prison today, so they came to offer their support. Red shirts from various areas gathered for a "meal outside the prison" activity. Since the prison only serves lunch at 3 p.m., the red shirts who came to the event sat down to eat at 3 p.m. to signal that former Prime Minister Thaksin was not eating alone, as he was supported by red shirts.
Mr. Worachai also believes that Thailand should be a truly democratic and constitutional country today. He calls for constitutional amendments before the dissolution of Parliament, and therefore urges MPs to take action on this matter to ensure national reconciliation.
He also commented on the suspension of sentences, saying that normally, prisoners over 70 years of age receive a one-quarter suspension of their sentences, which in the case of Mr. Thaksin, who was imprisoned for one year, would be reduced to four months.
For the mass activities, there will be appointments every Saturday and Sunday, with the menu changing each week to show support for Mr. Thaksin until he is released from prison.