BANGKOK – Having declared victory for the People’s Alliance for Democracy, leader Sondhi Limthongkul stood proudly before his loyal followers on a stage at Suvarnabhumi Airport this morning to make a final address. Wearing a leather flight jacket and standing before a large banner declaring “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED,” the former media tycoon turned activist announced the unequivocal success of his group’s mission.
“We have saved this country from tyranny, and liberated the grateful citizens of Thailand from the reign of a madman,” he said. “Let the bells of freedom and democracy ring across this newly free land, from Hat Yai in the south to Chiang Rai in the north.”
Sondhi did not address the fact that Hat Yai continues to endure a near decade-long insurgency that has resulted in martial law, sectarian strife, and daily violence that has claimed the lives of over 1000 people. Instead he focused on the crimes of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose “dictatorship” has been overthrown by the actions of the PAD.
“These brave men and women of the PAD armed forces, who stand before me today, are the true heroes of this operation,” Sondhi said. “By risking their lives in a successful invasion of Government House, Don Mueang, and Suvarnabhumi, they have brought the message of peace and prosperity to this long-oppressed land.”
Regarding the widespread reports of violence instigated by armed PAD guards against journalists and policemen, as well as the estimated 30 billion baht in direct economic loss and far more destructive damage done to the nation’s tourism, manufacturing, and exhibition industries, Sondhi was silent, preferring to focus on the patriotism of the PAD’s motives.
“Once again, we are the shining light of the world, standing up against tyranny and terrorism wherever it exists,” he said. “In choosing to defend king and country against the forces of corruption and ignorance, by sticking to our principles and never wavering, the PAD has shown a path to freedom for all the world’s citizens.”
He did not address the PAD’s highly inconsistent rhetoric and constantly shifting demands, including Tuesday’s declaration that the PAD would “definitely stay at Suvarnabhumi” at 2:30PM followed by his announcement that the PAD was “ending all protests” at 4:15PM.
In conclusion, Sondhi hinted at the PAD’s future. “Having done exactly everything we set out to do, we can now leave our protests and go home, knowing that the nation is stronger,” he said, contrary to economic forecasts of a two-year recession specifically caused by PAD protests. “Our work is done now. Unless,” he added, “something changes and we have to come back.”
