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BANGKOK : Though they are no longer rallying on the streets, Thailand's Red and Yellow Shirt movements are resorting to some unique ways to raise funds.
In Bangkok, plain white rice can now be red or yellow, depending on your political leanings.
Cooks can whip up anti-government sentiment as well as some rice in a Red Shirt rice cooker, while proceeds from the sale of the ASTV brand rice go to the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
Although the streets may be quiet in the Thai capital, political movements remain active, selling unique merchandise targeting their supporters.
Last year, donations from Yellow Shirt supporters filled the coffers of Asia Satellite TV - the PAD's vital media mouthpiece.
But funding has dried up, as many companies are hesitant to advertise on the network which promoted the Bangkok airport occupation.
Sonthi Limthongkul, the head of ASTV, the PAD and now the New Politics Party, claims the station would go down without selling things like rice, toilet tissue, fish sauce and other household goods.
Jittanart Limthongkul, ASTV Product Managing Director, said: "I think it is actually a win-win solution. For the supporters who do not want to buy our products, we are still open to donations. Many people use our products and like them. But now they run a real business selling our products."
It is unknown whether this unorthodox expansion will help ASTV turn in a profit. Shoppers seemed receptive at the channel's Bangkok headquarters.
One shopper said: "It is a good idea for ASTV, because they do not have advertising from big sponsors. In fact, their products are more expensive than others, but we choose to use ASTV products."
Another commented: "I am willing to buy ASTV products despite higher prices. I want to support them otherwise the young generation will be in trouble."
But if yellow is not your colour, the Red Shirts also have specially branded merchandise for sale.
Woravut Wichaidit, advertising editor, Truth Today, said: "We have Truth Today brand drinking water and energy drinks. We also have rice cookers and hot water carafes. All the income will be used for our protests, but with regards to how much money we make from selling the products, we can live on it, but cannot really rely on it."
Though the Red Shirts' offerings are more typical, savvy shoppers can find some extremely unique items, perhaps in time for Halloween. - CNA/ms
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