The people lost for Bhum Jai Thai

The Bangkok Post recently reported on the Bhum Jai Thai Party marking its 16th anniversary “by unveiling a new, all-blue logo,” which represents a further stamping on royalism on the party. It wants to be the party for royalists and ultra-royalists, as well as for the palace.

It is worth recalling that the party was formed by Newin Chidchob – its real leader – as a military party to oppose Thaksin Shinawatra and to support the monarchy. That support for the monarchy has long been marked by blue. Back in 2009, Newin’s blue shirts protected the monarchy and protected Abhisit Vejjajiva. As the Post states: “Even before the all-blue logo was adopted, Bhumjaithai Party was often referred to as the “Blue Party” by the public and in media reports.”

The old logo was in national colors, red, white and blue. As reported, the new logo is all blue and white as a further commitment to loyalty to the throne.

Proxy party leader Anutin Charnvirakul said the new logo “represented unity, loyalty and the party’s commitment to political stability.”

Even before the all-blue logo was adopted, Bhumjaithai Party was often referred to as the “Blue Party” by the public and in media reports.

In the report, Anutin is said to have declared that blue “symbolises the party’s commitment to Thai identity, patriotism, religious values and loyalty to the monarchy under a democratic system with the King as the head of state.”

He also gave a speech stressing the “party’s commitment to serving the people, whether its members hold an official position or not.”

The color ditched is red. When of the national flag is described, it is usually said that red represents the land and people. Can we assume that Bhum Jai Thai is ditching the land and people for the monarchy?