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Thailand’s Colors…and Red Shirts and Watermelon Soldiers
Saturday, April 10th, 2010Taken from an article in Time
In Thailand, people literally wear their politics on their sleeves. The nation has been locked for years in a paralyzing political showdown between two camps. There are the red shirts, who support former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup and later convicted in absentia of abuse of power. And there are the establishment yellow shirts, who back current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. On March 12, around 100,000 red shirts, whose numbers are drawn largely from Thailand’s poor rural regions, began descending on Bangkok by bus, truck, boat and tractor for what they deemed their final stand: a massive march to force the yellow-backed government to hold elections, which the reds believe will favor them. “Relinquish power and return it to the people,” went the rally cry from protest leader Veera Musikapong. (See pictures from Thailand’s April 2009 protests.)
The protests are the latest in a years-running to-and-fro between the groups. In 2008, the yellows occupied Government House, the nation’s seat of power, for three months. Later they hijacked Bangkok’s two airports for a week, a disaster for a tourism-dependent economy. Last year, after a yellow-supported government took office, the reds swarmed an international summit at a seaside resort, forcing the emergency airlift of foreign leaders. That was followed by a scarlet siege of Government House, a takeover that culminated in Thailand’s worst political violence in nearly two decades.
Thailand’s color obsession extends beyond politics. Every day of the week has a shade. Born on a Wednesday? Your lucky color is green. Saturday is ruled by the color purple. Thailand’s beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej entered the world on mellow-yellow Monday, which is why for years millions of his loyal subjects have voluntarily worn that hue to begin their week. But since the yellow shirts, who made support for the monarch a cornerstone of their activism, have chosen that color for political purposes, the number of Thais donning it on Mondays has declined dramatically.
So what’s safe to wear in Thailand these days? Pink — and the hue gets to the heart of a color conundrum. The Thai King may have been born on a Monday, but he was born in Massachusetts, which is half a day behind Thailand’s time zone. Technically, he was born on Tuesday, Bangkok time, which means he should be honored by the color pink. In late 2007, King Bhumibol wore a carnation-pink blazer and shirt following a hospital stay, apparently because an astrologer had judged the shade as auspicious for his health. The monarch’s fashion statement galvanized a run on all things pink, with tens of thousands of shirts selling in a matter of days. Last September, the 82-year old King, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, was readmitted to hospital. In late February, during a rare public appearance, he was again pictured wearing a pink shirt, prompting millions of Thais to pull similarly hued clothes out of their closets.
Now, with the current popular uprising in Bangkok, Thai soldiers sympathetic toward the anti-government “red shirts” are called Watermelon Soldiers.
Commenting on the continuing protests of Thailand’s red shirts, Wassana Nanuam wrote in The Bangkok Post:
Among the rapidly expanding glossary born of this prolonged political conflict, the term “watermelon army” or “watermelon soldier” is one of the most catchy. It means soldiers who may be wearing a green uniform but are actually rooting for the red shirts: green outside and red inside, just like a watermelon.
According to Nanuam, the red shirts have been keen to publicize the “watermelon factor,” claiming it shows that only the army’s top commanders support the government.
[Thailand’s Army chief] Gen Anupong has admitted that there are indeed “watermelon soldiers” but he could not estimate their numbers. “No matter what colour your heart is or what doctrine you subscribe to, you do your duty as a soldier when you are deployed. Do not bring the colour in your heart into your duty. Bear in mind that a soldier must have no colour. We serve the country and the King,” Gen Anupong said.
Nanuam noted that some watermelon soldiers are suspected of having leaked information to the red shirts, something the top brass is keen to halt:
Even though the military has tried to emphasise the need for soldiers to be professional and colourless in their line of duty by coining a new term – “mango soldier,” which is green both within and without (the popular unripe variety, of course) – they have been unable to curtail the popularity of the watermelon trend. …
For now, the hunt for the watermelon is on at the army. Those who are found to have “red flesh” will be moved out of important positions. This includes those who happen to have a watermelon wife – whose spouse is supportive of the red shirts – as well.
The hunt for the red watermelon, however, is causing discomfort among professional soldiers who may truly be colourless but are being watched with suspicion anyway.
I came to Thailand this year with three tops…red, yellow…and grey. No one has mentioned grey yet…somehow I doubt if grey will get me into trouble but I’m tired of wearing it.
Away From The “Reds” In Bang Phra Fishing Village
Saturday, March 13th, 2010
The "Reds" are trying to force the fall of the government in Bangkok by bringing in a promised half a million or a million of rural folks in pickups to paralyze the city. The government is threatening to impose a ... [Continue reading this entry]
A Day In Bangkok
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Nice to be back and settled again in Bangkok. After two months in my serviced apartment before going to Samui, the doorman welcomed me back like an old friend....clicking his heels together and saluting (an odd custom here) and the ... [Continue reading this entry]
Bangkok To Ko Samui
Sunday, January 17th, 2010
All in one day on my street in Bangkok I saw a very good-looking farang (foreigner), who was old enough to know better, in a big wide straw hat...wearing no shirt...showing off his severely "cut" abs...attracting the stares of the ... [Continue reading this entry]
An Italian Night Out
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
I had been walking past this nice (nice is when there are table cloths and the waiter puts the napkin in your lap) Italian restaurant on Sukhumvit 20 for two months now...with Osso Bucco (lamb shank) advertised on an outdoor ... [Continue reading this entry]
Up The Chao Phraya River
Sunday, December 20th, 2009
In my last post I mentioned Nick's crazy flight from LA to Bangkok for a one day visit. Well, today he tells me about the return:
my flights back looked so good . . . on paper. from bkk - nrt ... [Continue reading this entry]
A Village of Two Houses
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
I got "home" late last night from a day trip to a "village" just off highway 304 in Chachoengsao Province about two hours east of Bangkok. This visit had several advantages.
I got to see my friends Dave and Syy again ... [Continue reading this entry]
Familiar Bangkok-2009
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
I like being in this familiar city again. And this is the winter...the best time of the year to be here...75 and 80 degrees during the day and even down to 60 degrees at night. But it's nearly the end ... [Continue reading this entry]
State of Emergency in Thailand
Sunday, April 12th, 2009
Update April 14, 2009
Shopping malls are open and the train station has resumed service. Protestors have been bused home. Arrest warrants have been issued for Thaksin and 13 other pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders for violating ... [Continue reading this entry]
Nobody In Charge in Thailand
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
Protesters have taken over the International airport and a smaller domestic airport in Bangkok and are demanding the Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat, resign, which he has refused to do even after months of demonstrations and violence in Bangkok. Protesters are ... [Continue reading this entry]
Morning Chuckles
Thursday, May 15th, 2008
This morning, while reading the Bangkok Post outside a certain BonCafe near my guesthouse in Bangkok, I had to LOL. Writing about the movie "Iron Man" the Thai reviewer/humorist says "Iron Man saves a bunch of Afghan families...highlights Hollywood's obsession ... [Continue reading this entry]
Ao Nang Beach Krabi Thailand
Monday, May 12th, 2008
Flew back from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia to Krabi yesterday. We are staying in the J Hotel...same one we stayed in last time here...on the top floor with a view of the ocean and karsts for 450 baht...about $14.
The karsts are ... [Continue reading this entry]
Dinner From The Street
Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Tonight I went out to the street and bought my dinner which I brought back to my room to eat. First, a Papaya Salad with only one little red chili and it's still hot! 80 cents. The two sticks with ... [Continue reading this entry]
A Coincidence
Sunday, March 30th, 2008
Last night I opted for a foot massage at a place where the strong Isan masseuses from NE Thailand are trained at Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Dating from the 16th century, this monastery in Bangkok began ... [Continue reading this entry]
Sukhumvit Soi 22 Bangkok
Sunday, March 30th, 2008
You hardly find a mention of Soi 22, where I usually stay in Bangkok, in the travel guides. Interesting. Not anything here for sightseers really. But good if you live here long term.
The well-dressed tourists in the ... [Continue reading this entry]
Hmmm…
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008
I must be getting old. Came across this shocking article in Newsweek describing teen sex taking place openly in public parks in Santiago Chile. Actually I remember being agape at the couples in public parks in Guadalajara Mexico ... [Continue reading this entry]
In And Out Of Bangkok
Monday, March 17th, 2008
Have become familiar enough with Asia that the usual things you notice on the surface aren't so eye-catching now. Am learning to adapt to surface cultural differences with less frustration. But adapting for a traveler briefly passing through is ... [Continue reading this entry]
Bangkok 2008
Tuesday, February 26th, 2008
Last Saturday (your Friday) I flew to Bangkok...carrying on a nice conversation with a Malaysian man sitting next to me. He says Thaksin did help the rural farmers...but the system takes time to change. And he says Thaksin began ... [Continue reading this entry]
Family In Thailand
Friday, May 11th, 2007
My sons and daughters-in-law, Luk, Doug, Josh and Amy on Koh Samui in Thailand for a week. Bob, their dad, took the picture. Doug and Luk live on Koh Samui. Greg, in Las Vegas, and I, of course, ... [Continue reading this entry]
Bob, Josh and Luk In Bangkok
Wednesday, March 7th, 2007
My son Josh is Chef de Cuisine of "One East On Third" in the Hilton Hotel in Beijing. He was sent by the Executive Chef to Bangkok last week to check out some restaurants there. Luk, a delightful Thai ... [Continue reading this entry]
Body Snatchers In Bangkok
Saturday, August 26th, 2006
2006-08-26
International Herald Tribune
Por Tek Tung - The Body Snatchers
Fighting for a Gory Prize - A Race to the Death in Thailand
They are not rewarded with money, but Karma - as many volunteers believe the work is good for their soul
BANGKOK: ... [Continue reading this entry]
Shirin Ebadi
Wednesday, August 16th, 2006
In Bangkok, in April of 2005 at the Thailand Foreign Correspondent's Club I listened to a talk by Shirin Ebadi...a strong brave woman lawyer who won the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for defending human rights in Iran. Yesterday the ... [Continue reading this entry]
HI Sukhumvit Hostel
Thursday, May 4th, 2006
Just so you don't think I drowned in the Sangkren waters of Thailand, I spent the next few days in a great new 38 bed hostel called HI Sukhumvit in an upscale Bangkok neighborhood about 50 yards down Sukhumvit 38 ... [Continue reading this entry]
Emails From Leila
Saturday, April 15th, 2006
WOW what a city. BANGKOK is alive. It is New year for them amd they celebrate with water. The streets are alive with people walking arround with water pistols and clay. Everyome is om thr street. You goota srr it ... [Continue reading this entry]
Songkran Water Festival
Saturday, April 15th, 2006
Day before yesterday was New Years in Lao. Yesterday was New Years in Thailand, although the celebration continues for several days in these countries. We get it again! Leila took a cheap bus to Kao San Road while I ... [Continue reading this entry]
Visa Run Misery
Wednesday, March 8th, 2006
Every month my son Doug has to cross into Burma and come back into Thailand to get another 30 day stay in the country. If you are late it's a $12 fine per day. ... [Continue reading this entry] Shower Lay Down
Wednesday, February 1st, 2006
Doug and Luk call me every morning. Sometimes I am awake and sometimes not. This morning Luk says "Good morning mom!" "I love mom!" "I miss mom!" "One more day!" Doug gets on the phone ... [Continue reading this entry]
Cosmechanics
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
In front of the Rumburi Esthetique, on Sukhumvit 39, next door to my dentist, a sign offers, at Special Price, Cosmechanic, Face Lift and Anti Wrinkle, Sparkling Face & Pore Treatment, Anti Cellulite & Fluid Drain, Body Slim & Firming, ... [Continue reading this entry]
The Meaning of Riaproy
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
Some friends that spent a year in Thailand with the Peace Corps have said there is an additional Thai value that is called "riaproy." "It means polite and well-mannered; neat. It also means orderly; ready-to-go. Rarely do you see ... [Continue reading this entry]
Bangkok Street Scenes
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
Sidewalk Seamstress
Small Family
Taking A Break From Shopping
Coffee Yen
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
Iced Coffee Stands
Street Food
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
Eggs For Sale
Soup Stand
BBQ
BBQ2
BBQ3
[Continue reading this entry]
Motorcycle Serenade
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
Last night I hopped a motorcycle taxi at the corner. "Where you from?" the cute young driver asked. "America," I said. "America Pie" he sang to me all the way to my dentist appointment. "I used ... [Continue reading this entry]
Bar Girls
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
Bar Girls Waiting For Customers To Buy Them A Beer And Whatever...
Street Noodles
Monday, January 23rd, 2006
My favorite food in Thailand is one of the many varieties of noodle soup found on street carts. Street food is safe if you select a cart in early to mid day, when the food will be fresh, and watch ... [Continue reading this entry]
A Light In The South of Thailand
Monday, January 23rd, 2006
Visitors, to the south of Thailand, including foreigners, will soon have an opportunity to experience muslim life in a village in the province of Yala. A "Widower's Village" is being built in Rotanbu Village under a resettlement project funded by ... [Continue reading this entry]
Lucky Luk!
Friday, January 20th, 2006
I called my son Doug yesterday morning. He had just returned from the fish market on Koh Samui with a salad bowl of large fresh gung (shrimp) with heads still on for $1.60 and had cooked up a traditional ... [Continue reading this entry]
Teach The Children What?
Thursday, January 19th, 2006
On National Children's Day in Thailand, it is a tradition for the Prime Minister to deliver a positive "motto." This year the wealthy PM Thaksin who owns Thai Air and other assets said that children should read more and ... [Continue reading this entry]
Bumrungrad Hospital
Thursday, January 19th, 2006
Nearly as diverse as New York, sitting in a Bumrungrad waiting room is a show of national and ethnic costume...many from the middle east...burkas, jalabas and Arabic head wear...males greeting each other by touching noses...or foreheads...I couldn't tell.
The ... [Continue reading this entry]
Bangkok Business
Thursday, January 12th, 2006
Nearby, in ironically named Washington Square, is the Bourbon Street Bar and Restaurant where an entire wall, surrounding a dart board, is covered by business cards. Here is a sampling that you would probably not see at home:
Halliburton, Trident ... [Continue reading this entry]
Insurgency In The South of Thailand
Thursday, January 12th, 2006
Since January 2004, southern Thailand has been gripped by a shadowy insurgency that has killed over 1,000 people and divided local communities along religious and ethnic lines. "Bangkok," ie the Thai government, has responded forcefully to the security threat, but ... [Continue reading this entry]
Thai News
Sunday, January 8th, 2006
Six days of U.S./Thai trade talks in Chiang Mai has resulted in a stalemate with the help of 10,000 protesters...an alliance of 11 groups who are resisting trade liberalization. They are not ready, says the director of the AIDS ... [Continue reading this entry]
Familiar Bangkok
Saturday, January 7th, 2006
Arrived in Bangkok on Jan 3rd on China Air after 17 hours and stops in Anchorage and Taiwan. There has been a cooling in Asia (northern India actually falling below freezing) and it has ... [Continue reading this entry] Third Culture Kids
Monday, October 17th, 2005
Third Culture Kids are children of expatriate families who live for a significant proportion of their lives in a culture other than their own, where they travel to many countries other than their own passport country. This results in ... [Continue reading this entry]
Terrorists In Thailand
Tuesday, July 19th, 2005
Last year Thaksin's government sent in police militia to quell fundamentalist Islamic violence in a southern Thai province that is populated primarily with muslims. As a result over 60 combatants were kiilled. In retaliation, the jihadists continue to ... [Continue reading this entry]
Thainess And The West
Sunday, July 17th, 2005
The July 2005 edition of the slick upscale magazine for English-speaking foreigners called The Big Chilli ran an article with interviews of prominent Bangkok residents to get their views of what constitutes Thai culture. Two were Thai and two ... [Continue reading this entry]
Walking Out On The Iranian Ambassador
Thursday, July 14th, 2005
The Foreign Correspondents Club hosted another panel discussion last night with the Iranian ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Mohsen Pakaein
Western observers were confounded by the surprisingly strong victory in Iran's recent presidential election by dark-horse candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a conservative ... [Continue reading this entry]
Press: Enemies of the Thai State?
Thursday, July 14th, 2005
The Foreign Correspondent's Club hosted another panel as part of it's occasional series on freedom of the press this week.
Panel members were Anchalee Paireerak, operator of www.fm9225.com, one of two closed�websites, and executive director of and political commentator for community ... [Continue reading this entry]
“11 Minutes” Outranks Mao
Thursday, July 14th, 2005
On my way to my BTS Skytrain station, I stop for lunch at The Emporium, an upscale indoor shopping mall where there is a variety of restaurants on the 5th floor. A young Asian woman sitting next to me ... [Continue reading this entry]
Zoe