On April 11, Matichon published a photo of controversial northeastern politician Newin Chidchob riding a motorcycle and, allegedly, commanding the blue shirts in the showdown with the red shirts in Pattaya. 

Formerly one of Thaksin’s close associates and the leader of a group of politicians who defected to the Democrat Party-led coalition government, Newin denied that he was behind the blue shirts.

‘I am cursed.  Previously, when the red shirts moved, [it was said that] it was me.  Today, with the blue shirts, it’s me again.  So be it!  But please care for the country.  Don’t make trouble in Pattaya,’ said Newin.

On the night of April 10, it was reported that a group of blue shirts stayed around the top of the hill where the ASEAN Summit venue Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel is located.  Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and National Police Commander Patcharawas Wongsuwan were seen walking around to inspect the deployment of security personnel and the blue shirts.  Before dawn, the blue shirts moved down the hill to confront the red shirts.

Post Today reported that PM’s Office’s Deputy Spokesperson Suphachai Jaisamut denied the report, and said that he did not know that Newin had come to Pattaya, but he might have come on vacation.  Newin had nothing to do with the blue shirts, said Suphachai.

He said, from his checks, the blue shirts were local volunteers who came to assist the police in facilitating traffic, and the atmosphere was just intolerable to local people in Pattaya and Chonburi.