Sign in Subscribe
Prime ministers

Red Shirts Demand Land Return from Former Thai PM Surayud Chulanont

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Protests by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), known as the Red Shirts, have been ongoing in front of the vacation residence of Privy Councillor Gen Surayud Chulanont in Nakhon Ratchasima. The UDD is demanding that Gen Surayud return a 14-rai block of land, which he acquired from the government in 1975, to the state. The protest is a response to what the UDD perceives as the government's double standards in land ownership. Red Shirt leaders have taken turns attacking Gen Surayud and demanding that he resign as president of the Foundation for Khao Yai National Park Protection and review his role as Privy Councillor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has been protesting in front of the vacation residence of Privy Councillor Gen Surayud Chulanont since Sunday, demanding that he return a 14-rai block of land to the state.
  • The land was originally intended for landless farmers in 1975 but was allegedly acquired by Gen Surayud in a legal manner, contradicting claims of government double standards.
  • Red Shirt leaders have attacked Gen Surayud, calling for his resignation as president of the Foundation for Khao Yai National Park Protection and a review of his role as Privy Councillor.
  • Security has been tightened around Gen Surayud's home with two tiers of metal barricades, and officials from the Office of the Attorney General have announced that they will not prosecute Gen Surayud for his land ownership.
  • The Royal Forestry Department has set up a new committee to investigate how Gen Surayud acquired the land and will review his compliance with the law regarding land ownership.

Statistics:

  • 14 raï block of land in question: The amount of land allegedly acquired by Gen Surayud from the government in 1975, which the UDD demands be returned to the state.
  • 1975: The year in which the government allocated land for landless farmers, including the 14-rai block now in dispute.
  • 2: The number of tiers of metal barricades installed outside Gen Surayud's home to maintain order in the area.
  • Tuesday: The day on which protesters expected Gen Surayud to respond and clarify the land issue during a press conference.

Sources:

  • BANGKOK, Jan 12 Asia Pulse
  • The Nation (TNA-OANA), 12 Jan 1906
  • Office of the Attorney General announcement, 8 Jan 1906

Read more