[quote="UdonExpat"]As a generalization, the yellows shirts are composed of the middle class, the business people and the royalists. The red shirts are the rural majority.

I know this is a generalization and doesn't cover all possibilities.

The man who many red shirts support was among the top businessmen in Thailand and became richer after entering politics.

You are welcome to draw whatever conclusions you wish.[/quote]

Yes, it is a generalisation, and part of the myth propagated by PAD. One of their leaders, Sondhi, actually worked with Thaksin for awhile.

In fact, Thaksin is supported by the great majority of the middle class/businessmen in the cities of the north and north-east of Thailand. He gets support from the middle-class in Bangkok too.

As you might remember from the demonstrations in Bangkok by the yellow shirts, many of those people were factory workers. However, at the top echelons of PAD, it does seem true that much of their backing comes from the groups you identified. They were also supported by the top leadership in the military.

However, Thaksin is not without support from some members of the army too. I would also argue that all of Thaksin's supporters are royalists too.

Ok we are all effected a far as confusion about the situtaion and our opinnions as firm as the protestors to whichever side. I suppose that is an effect to us. as to the Udon area the only thing I have heard of wa the one incident of intimidation reported in this thread. I have also read for a time the Thai Lao bridge was blocked in Nong Khai. But, that seemed to have veen resolved by Poilce and local volunteers working together. Song Kran happened here. The NBT TV station ( Governement operated ) in the Khon Kean area was supposedly blocked from broadcating, working here.

That is all that I have read.

Theres is another thread going with political thoughts and pretty much an ongoing blow by blow, So Tik how is the effecting you long ways away and I assume loved ones here?

post162435.html#p162435

We all seem to be fine here in other words it's Bangkok. Thai is going fine a lifetime project I truly enjoy it when I have a good instructor. I will never get tones correct, I speak with an accent

If I were in your position, no knowing would be difficult. Not to worry we are all fine in Udon thus far.

Try this thread (Huge rallies spark Thai shutdown)