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It looks every bit a kid's toy. But the "hand clapper" (mue tob) is fast becoming the most effective weapon in the Peo-ple's Alliance for Democracy's campaign against Thaksin Shinawatra and his alleged nominees.

PAD protesters "clapped" and booed newly elected Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat out of Siam Paragon on Sunday, where he was seeking Bangko-kians' support for gubernatorial candidate Prapas Chongsa-nguan.

"It has become a handy yet powerful weapon, with a size that makes it easy to carry around, ready to use anytime anywhere," said PAD coordinator Suriyasai Takasila.

Saves vocal chords!

More importantly, it saves damage to PAD protesters' hands and vocal chords. "Without it, supporters have to clap hands practically round the clock," said Suriyasai.

The hand clapper has risen in popularity ever since PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang rubbished former premier Samak Sundaravej's remark about "invisible hands", countering that "clapping hands" was the only force.

The toy-turned-campaign tool has spread from PAD's stronghold at Government House to department stores and it is estimated that tens of thousands may have been sold. "Every PAD follower seems to carry one all the time," said a vendor.

Sattawat Inyuth, a student, said he bought four or five every time he went to the Government House protest. "Some use them at university or for sport days," he said.

From just one more anti-government prop alongside the T-shirt, headband and scarf, the hand clapper has been hailed by the movement as its main symbol of "non-violent" struggle. It has even made it onto popular website Wikipedia.com.