Karuna Buakamsri. a news anchor and reporter at Channel 3, had an op-ed in IHT a few weeks back:

More than a date connects these two events. Many of the leading figures are also the same. In 1992, I joined hands with Jatuporn Promphan, Veera Musikapong and Dr. Weng Tojirkan — now leaders of the red shirt movement. I also joined hands with Pipob Dongchai, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila — now leaders of a group of protesters known as the yellow shirts, bitter enemies of the reds. Also among us were two promising young politicians: Abhisit Vejjajiva and Jaturon Chaisaeng. Abhisit is now prime minister, while Jaturon opposes Abhisit.

Then we were all united in wanting democracy. Today we are divided over what we believe democracy is or should be. What drew these leaders down divergent paths is complex. But the flashpoint for their explosive opposition to each other is a man who in 1992 was consumed with making money rather than fighting alongside us for democracy: Thaksin Shinawatra.
…
Some have called Thailand’s crisis a class struggle. But it’s hard to take such portrayals seriously when powerful politicians and wealthy businesspeople are calling from the red shirt stage for the overthrow of “the elite.” Among those fiery speakers was my old colleague Jatuporn Promphan, wearing a shirt with a silkscreen of Mahatma Gandhi. The protest site was defended by red shirt guards who were armed.

From 2006 through 2008, my old colleague Pipob Dhongchai, a leader of the yellow shirts, spearheaded mass rallies against Thaksin and subsequent governments he controlled by proxy, culminating in the occupation of Bangkok’s airports. The yellow shirts also had a corps of armed guards. In 1992, none of us were armed. We suffered through bullets and batons with our ideals as our only defense.

Watching the spiraling political violence of the past few years I wonder what has become of my old friends, the veterans of 1992, and where they are taking our country?

Back then, I was inspired by their oratory in support of democracy and justice. Today, these same orators inflame crowds with hate and distortion. Yellow orators goaded their followers into ransacking the prime minister’s office. Red orators fired mobs to burn Bangkok. I can’t see any justice or democracy in what they have done.

BP: So what now for the Black May protest leaders? And also for political protesters in Thailand after the last couple of years of protests?