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People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) (Thai: พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย; also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, the National Liberation Party - พลพรรคกู้ชาติ, and the Yellow Shirts - คนเสื้อเหลือง) was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the then Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include media-mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, General Saprang Kalayanamitr, and former ISOC leader Pallop Pinmanee. It was one of the chief players in the Thailand political crisis from 2005 to 2006. The PAD consists of middle and upper-class Bangkokians and Southerners, supported by the conservative elite, factions of the Thai Army, and state-enterprise labor unions. In September 2006, the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy overthrew Thaksin's elected government, canceled upcoming elections, and dissolved the constitution. Two days after the military coup, the PAD voluntarily dissolved after announcing that it's goals had been accomplished.
The PAD re-established itself after Thaksin-affiliated parties, led by Samak Sundaravej, won the 2007 general election. In August and September 2008, PAD members seized Government House. They were joined by tens of thousands of members, including the Srivichai Warriors - the PAD's paramilitary force - who barricaded themselves in with barbed wire, bamboo spikes, and an impromptu electric fence. PAD members and allies seized airports in Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai, blocked off major roads, and stopped train operations across the Kingdom. Armed Srivichai Warriors seized a television broadcaster, the National Broadcasting Service of Thailand, as well as several government ministries. The PAD has threatened that its wealthy members could lead a massive bank run that could destabilize the Thai economy if the government does not give in to its demands. 
The PAD called for the resignation of the governments of Thaksin Shinawatra and Samak Sundaravej. Citing the claimed failure of popular democracy in Thailand and the inability of rural voters to elect a favorable Parliament, the PAD has called for constitutional reforms that would make the Parliament a largely royally-appointed body. It was strongly opposed to Thaksin's populist economic policies and attempts to decentralize political power. It was also opposed to the Samak government's decision to support the Cambodian government in applying for the listing of Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site.The PAD is largely composed of royalists, has regularly invoked king Bhumibol Adulyadej in its protests, and has claimed that its enemies are disloyal to the monarchy.It has openly called for the palace, the military, and Thailand's traditional elite to take a greater role in politics.General Pathompong Kesornsuk, a close aid of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, appeared in full uniform at PAD protests claiming Prem’s consent and urging his fellow soldiers to follow suit
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) (Thai: พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย; also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, the National Liberation Party - พลพรรคกู้ชาติ, and the Yellow Shirts - คนเสื้อเหลือง) was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the then Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include media-mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, General Saprang Kalayanamitr, and former ISOC leader Pallop Pinmanee. It was one of the chief players in the Thailand political crisis from 2005 to 2006. The PAD consists of middle and upper-class Bangkokians and Southerners, supported by the conservative elite, factions of the Thai Army, and state-enterprise labor unions. In September 2006, the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy overthrew Thaksin's elected government, canceled upcoming elections, and dissolved the constitution. Two days after the military coup, the PAD voluntarily dissolved after announcing that it's goals had been accomplished.
The PAD re-established itself after Thaksin-affiliated parties, led by Samak Sundaravej, won the 2007 general election. In August and September 2008, PAD members seized Government House. They were joined by tens of thousands of members, including the Srivichai Warriors - the PAD's paramilitary force - who barricaded themselves in with barbed wire, bamboo spikes, and an impromptu electric fence. PAD members and allies seized airports in Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai, blocked off major roads, and stopped train operations across the Kingdom. Armed Srivichai Warriors seized a television broadcaster, the National Broadcasting Service of Thailand, as well as several government ministries. The PAD has threatened that its wealthy members could lead a massive bank run that could destabilize the Thai economy if the government does not give in to its demands. 
The PAD called for the resignation of the governments of Thaksin Shinawatra and Samak Sundaravej. Citing the claimed failure of popular democracy in Thailand and the inability of rural voters to elect a favorable Parliament, the PAD has called for constitutional reforms that would make the Parliament a largely royally-appointed body. It was strongly opposed to Thaksin's populist economic policies and attempts to decentralize political power. It was also opposed to the Samak government's decision to support the Cambodian government in applying for the listing of Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site.The PAD is largely composed of royalists, has regularly invoked king Bhumibol Adulyadej in its protests, and has claimed that its enemies are disloyal to the monarchy.It has openly called for the palace, the military, and Thailand's traditional elite to take a greater role in politics.General Pathompong Kesornsuk, a close aid of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, appeared in full uniform at PAD protests claiming Prem’s consent and urging his fellow soldiers to follow suit
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