Thailand’s orange-robed monks reveal shades of red focus 04/30/2010

Thailand’s orange-robed monks reveal shades of red

focus 04/30/2010 BANGKOK — Dozens of Thai monks, clad in vivid orange robes, untangle their hands bound with sacred Buddhist thread after performing a chanting ceremony to protect the anti-government “Red Shirts.” Since mass protests began in Bangkok in mid-March demanding snap elections, the red-dressed crowds have been speckled with the monks’ distinctive attire despite a long-held monastic custom of keeping out of Thai politics. “We have been staying with the people from the beginning, more than one month already,” said a 70-year-old monk, Doctor Tuanchai. “We sleep on the roadside. It’s a very difficult life but we decided to do it for peace and harmony and love for the Thai people.” He said the monks were “neutral” despite their presence at the rally, though his comments revealed a leaning toward the mainly rural poor and urban working-class Reds, who say they are fighting the Thai elites. “I hope they will gain victory soon because they ask for democracy and justice. I hope all monks and all Thai people in general, the majority will sympathise with the Red Shirts,” Tuanchai said.... MORE  Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100430com3.html

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