Pasalao

Protest Imperal Bangkok "Red Shirt " children.

The leaders of the Red Shirt denied Abhisit Vejjajiva's government accusation of using the elderly, children and women as Human Shields.

One of most troubling aspect of the escalations political confrontation in Thailand is the children places in harm's way. Leader of the anti-government protest movement on Sunday calls to remove children and elderly from their sit-in incentral Bangkok, even as soldiers surronded their protest site and exchanges of gunfire left two dozen people dead on the capital street.

"I took my daughter with me because there was no one to take care of her back home when I came here" said Kaneung Pana, a day labor from northeast province Mukdahan. His eight-year-old daughter, Hong Fah, wears a red dress and cuddle by his side.

"I understand it is not safe, but we have to do something to pressure the government to resign" said Kaneung Pana. Non of the Red Shirt leader had ask him to take his daughter and go because of the danger, he said, but he would not leave even if they did.

Kampit JoonCha, a farmer from the same province, agreed that she would not take her ten-year-old son Chalor and abandon the protest on matter who ask. " We want Democracy " she said. " f I have to die for it  WANT my children  die with me".

Hong Fah and Chalor both said they were not afraid , although Hong Fah said she wished she were back in Mukdahan. Asked if they understood that something bad could happen at the protest, they both said no, they did not understand.

Not many, however, made the move to the Temple. Her arms around her son, farmer Kampit said she was staying where she was.  If we die together for Democracy, it will be worth it " she said.


From New York Times.