Three months of anti-government protests in Bangkok have given new meaning to common gestures and created new fashion statements, mostly in red, white and blue. Some ordinary words have been given a second life as well.
Welcome to the world of protest slang. Here are some popular words understood among Thais in the protest context, according to Thai Rath.
Popcorn = bullets. This word originated from the clashes between anti-government and pro-election protesters at Lak Si intersection on Feb 1. "Men in Black" emerged, firing war weapons concealed in popcorn sacks to avoid leaving shells on the scene, a precaution only trained professionals take.
Som klieng (ส้มเกลี้ยง) is a type of orange in Thai and now refers to a type of hand grenade.
Ya Jiab (อย่าเจี๊ยบ) means "don't talk nonsense". Jiab, used as a verb here, is the nickname of Sunisa Lertpakawat, the deputy government spokeswoman. Critics claim she sometimes provides inaccurate information.
Ahing Suan (อหิงสวน) is the opposite to the non-violent demonstration or ahimsa, the claimed modus operandi of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). The word is used when the protesters fight back when they are attacked.
Por Kha popcorn (พ่อค้าป๊อปคอร์น or popcorn seller) and phu wang dee (ผู้หวังดี or well-wishers) refer to the mysterious armed men who helped the PDRC protesters in the Lak Si incident. The word was used by PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban himself in a speech on Feb 20.
Men in Black refers to mysterious gunmen who have either attacked or helped protesters on several occasions. The term first surfaced during the red-shirt protests in 2010.
Chai daen Chamai Maruchet (ชายแดนชมัยมรุเชษฐ์ or Maruchet border) means the protest site held by the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand. The Chamai Maruchet Bridge, situated close to Government House, is a high-risk area and the frontline where protesters have clashed with government forces.
Chaeng wa rak na (แจ้งว่ารักนะ or "tell you we love you") rhymes with "Chaeng Wathana", the protest site at the Government Complex. The word was coined for fun by media and photographers assigned to the area.
Kao Krung (เข้ากรุง or enter the city) refers to the PDRC's Phatumwan protest site, the main stage or the "capital" of the demonstrations. Also at this site, more facilities are provided for journalists and protesters.
Muang Hi-so (เมืองไฮโซ or high-society city) means the Ratchaprasong protest site, surrounded by luxury department stores. Protesters at this spot tend to be well-heeled and fashionable.
Waethee concert (เวทีคอนเสิร์ต or concert stage) refers to the Asok protest site which is frequented by many famous singers and artists who support the PDRC.
The video clip above captures events surrounding the anti-government protests, led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), in Bangkok on Friday, Feb 21, 2014. (Bangkok Post video)