Various organizations, both government backed and privately funded, are producing reports on the violence in an attempt to discover some semblance of "truth" and justice.
The students will be analyzing these reports. Very exciting!! The goal is to create a balanced and thorough analysis and understanding of the reporting and investigations currently being conducted.
Last night, we went to a Red Shirt rally in Khon Kaen that was attended by the most prominent leaders in the movement. They flew up from Bangkok to attend... and... WE WERE ABLE TO INTERVIEW THEM about their thoughts on these reports and the current movement. It was amazing, we were allowed to go backstage at the protest where we ate fruit and chatted with some of the main leaders of the Red Shirt movement.
One was Nattawut Saikua, who is featured in this "Key Players" graphic just a few steps down from Abhisit and Thaksin as the "Outsider Red Shirt." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703957904575253500682147826.html?mod=WSJ_hps_MIDDLEFifthNews#project%3DTHAILANDPEOPLE0430%26articleTabs%3Dinteractive
He is one of the most prominent leaders in Thailand's Red Shirt movement, and it was SO COOL that we got to speak with him. Photos will be added in, they aren't on my camera unfortunately.
We also had the privilege to speak with Wichian Khaokham, who was charged and jailed for 9 months for lèse-majesté. (More info on this law can be found here: http://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2011/04/03/article-112-awareness-campaign) This charge is increasingly being used in Thailand as a tool to suppress political opposition. It was wonderful to speak with him, even though photos were hard due to the darkness. In addition, there were several local leaders who were kind enough to sit with us. I will post more information when the students get it ready.
A story on the event can also be found with my dear friends at the Isaan Record: http://theisaanrecord.wordpress.com/2011/05/01/pheu-thai-kicks-off-campaign-season-in-isaan/
Oh, and no big deal... former Prime Minister Thaksin skyped in for a little chat.
It was one of those nights where you sit back and think... wow, I live an incredible life.
