After the 2010 violent crackdown, the redshirt movement was diminished. Following the 2014 coup d’etat, they were hunted down. However, in the latest student demonstrations, the red shirts in several provinces have made a comeback, fully proclaiming themselves a part of this current resistance for democracy. The post Journey of the red shirts continues appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

"It’s time for us to see them as a normal man or woman. Straight men or women don’t need to consistently say they are a man or a woman."A student, LGBT board game co-creator. The post Teaching LGBT rights through board games appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

Udorn Thani’s democracy fighters are battling over symbols. Three cherished symbols of the state: the royal portrait, the city’s essential patron saint, and a desecrated flag. Protest leaders say time is on their side and they hope to change this former “Capital of Red Shirts to “the Capital of Democracy.” In Part I, the battles over two symbols were over, but the third, over a flag, remains—and a royal visit. The post Udon Thani new generation: Battle over royal portraits, a monument, and a flag (Part II) appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

Udorn Thani’s democracy fighters are battling over symbols. Three cherished symbols of the state: the royal portrait, the city’s essential patron saint, and a desecrated flag. Protest leaders say time is on their side and they hope to change this former “Capital of Red Shirts to “the Capital of Democracy.” The post Udon Thani’s new generation: Battle over royal portraits, a monument, and a flag (Part I) appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

“I’m not going to stop carrying on nor stop speaking out. I’ll continue the fight as long as I’m still breathing,” writes Phongsatorn “Boy” Tancharoen, Maha Sarakham University student charged with lese majeste. The post Chronicle of struggle of Phongsathon : Sensation of being accused of lese majeste appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

“In the past, LGBT people would be afraid of coming out. But nowadays, society is more accepting and everyone is able to express themselves. I personally admire them for being confident and working the best they can. These days, society gives an equal chance to everyone,” said Nok Noi Uraiporn, leader of the Siang Isaan molam troupe. The post Behind the molam stage is a safe space for LGBTIQ+ (8) appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

The geography and history of freedom fighters set Sakon Nakhon off from the rest of Isaan. Though youth protests have been slow to start and lack some of the vigor seen in other Isaan provinces, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, has played an important role in linking the province’s past with the new generation’s protests. The post Part II : The rediscovered heroes of democracy in Sakon Nakhon (12) appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

The geography and history of freedom fighters set Sakon Nakhon off from the rest of Isaan. Though youth protests have been slow to start and lack some of the vigor seen in other Isaan provinces, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, has played an important role in linking the province’s past with the new generation’s protests. (See “Part II: Sakon Nakhon’s rediscovered heroes of democracy” tomorrow.) The post Part I: Sakon Nakhon stirs: Students and academics continue a decades-old struggle (11)) appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

"I feel molam is very fitting for LGBT because it’s an open space for us."--said LGBT person ฺ The post “Molam” and gender diversity (7) appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more

Sisaket wouldn’t seem a likely place to find the anti-government protesters led largely by a team of LGBTIQ+ activists. It’s a good sign that even smaller provinces in the Northeast can come up with ways to help Thai society learn to deal with diversity. The post Sisaket’s special charm: LGBTIQ+ activists lead the way to a more democratic Thailand (6) appeared first on The Isaan Record ..read more