The ABCs of peaceful protest

Trust me, this won’t go any further: women can become just as deeply involved in politics as men. And now, one of those rare occasions for both sexes is here, thanks to two men, neither of whom I really trust.

“Will you be joining Sondhi Limthongkul on Saturday?” has been a popular question from my friends these past few days. Some are determined to attend the protest against Thaksin Shinawatra at the Royal Plaza, while others are hesitant. I should note right here that as a journalist, I ought to remain neutral and not become emotionally involved. But as an individual, I have every right to head down to the rally.

A friend of mine won’t join the crowd, but she’s not passive either. She’s been busy tallying numbers. “I don’t follow politics closely, but you know, I’ve done some calculations about that Bt73.3 billion the PM and his family made, and if they spent Bt1 million a day, it would take 200 years to go through it all! Will they live that long?”

Such alarming figures have struck a chord with the public. As Thaksin says, people envy him his wealth, but the operative term is “tax-free”. Imagine a woman’s pulse if she were to see a sign that said, “Tax-free shopping”.

The financial riddle of the Shin Corp deal is no longer an issue. It’s all about February 4, and we simply must decide whether we should make our voices heard. No offence to those who say “no”; you’re still good citizens, by all means. Just take a look at your tax slip and pat yourselves on the back.

If you find it hard to accept Sondhi as your leader, rest assured that you’re not alone. But participation isn’t necessarily a vote for Sondhi.

Try imagining yourself as Achilles, the independent fighter, in the movie “Troy”. At the end of one fight early in the movie, he says, “He is not my king.”

Joining Sondhi’s rally doesn’t necessarily mean you share his ideology. You just have in common a determination to represent those Thais who can no longer tolerate an immoral leader.

I’m not an experienced protester or anything, but if you’re planning to be at the Royal Plaza today, here’s some advice:

Use the buddy system

History teaches us that even if you have a grand plan for peaceful assembly, there may be a confrontation anyway. Keeping with a buddy or in a group, you’ll be better protected and able to take care of others.

Men always tease us about going to the loo in groups. This time maybe the habit will save us!

Plan your route in advance

One friend has her route all planned, how to get in and out. Car-pooling is practical, and it’s also logical to plan an emergency exit. Always stick with someone who has a good sense of direction.

Dress code

Don’t get me wrong - I’m not talking about matching shoes and bags here. It’s time to check out your wardrobe for the most comfortable outfit. Needless to say, this is not the right time for a skirt. Although the organiser has urged everyone to wear a yellow T-shirt (the uniform of Sondhi’s television show), you can wear any colour. One advertising executive offered a good reason to choose any colour she wants: individual choice is essential under the circumstances.

She’s prepared a scarf and jacket, as recommended on the Manager website. “It’s important - if you want to stay overnight, you can lie on your jacket and use the scarf to chase away mosquitoes.”

Travel light

Women have more necessities than men do (and no, I’m still not talking about matching shoes and bags!), but the rally won’t take place at Siam Paragon, so pack wisely and in accordance with your schedule.

One friend of mine has a very sensible list. Your bag (preferably a backpack rather than a Louis Vuitton) should contain a water bottle or two, a hat, sunglasses, sun-protection cream, mouthwash, tissue paper, sanitary napkins if needed, multipurpose tiger balm and an eye-dropper if you wear contact lenses. And of course, no lipstick or eye shadow, please! This is not Miss Protest Universe, and you need not look pretty all the time.

Go equipped

To keep up with what’s going on while protesting, keep your mobile at the ready.

The Manager website is reminding people to charge their phone batteries, but another friend of mine has an even more effective strategy: two phones! “One for outgoing calls and the other for incoming calls, and both will be fully charged.”

Make peace, not war

If you’re a novice protester, it’s always wise to stay with your group. Don’t join any impromptu crowd surges; do try to avoid confrontations. (We ladies have an advantage over men here, as we’re born with non-violent genes.) As soon as you sense any violence, run away as fast as you can.

These are only some rough guidelines, but they should be sufficient. It’s now up to you whether to mob or not to mob, but make the rally meaningful and peaceful - bloodstains are so difficult to wash out of your clothes.