Thailand's Red and Yellow Shirt movements try 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 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."

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