Bleeding for Democracy

Today, Bangkok will be all about the next step for the Redshirts. A blood donation to support the protests. Every Redshirt is asked for 10cc blood to donate. This will be used to drench the parliament house of the incumbent government in blood. Thousands of liters must flow over the streets so that the Prime Minister Abhisit and his ministers have to walk on the blood of the people. It shows a lot of drama and symbolism.

But it seems like an act of desperation by the Redshirts, who have not yet achieved any success in the struggle for democracy. The Redshirts leaders also understand that they don't have a long breath. Simply because the money is running out, the demonstrators must have food and drink and what about the hygienic conditions.

The question is whether this action will lead to any result. Prime Minister Abhisit has said he is willing to meet Redshirt leader Veera Musikhapong as a gesture of goodwill. After all, the Redshirts reap admiration for the non-violent and controlled way of protesting.

The Prime Minister's hand will not be enough for the Redshirts, although talking to each other is also part of the democracy that the redshirts strive for.

The blood protest, which should take shape today, raises many questions. Blood can cause infections. The collection and storage of large quantities of blood will also lead to logistical problems.

Besides the symbolism, there is another aspect: superstition. The ภาษาไทย from the East and Northeast adhere to animism. In short, the belief in good and evil spirits. According to astrologer Chatchaval Paosawat, spreading blood is said to be a Khmer black magic ritual. This with the aim of cursing the government.

If this action does not lead to success, what remains?

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