Dressed and speaking as if he were still running the country, convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday led more than 20,000 red-shirt demonstrators via video link in lighting candles in honour of His Majesty the King's 82nd birthday.
This all took place as the red shirts gathered to denounce the Abhisit Vejjajiva government, with some also criticising Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, a senior figure close to the Palace, for his alleged role in supporting the 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin.
Thaksin told protesters the Kingdom would know no peace as long as double standards existed in politics.
Speaking from an undisclosed foreign location, Thaksin said, "people are fed up with double standards", adding that they were smarter than in the past and would not be fooled.
"Return democracy to the people, return wealth to the people and dignity to the country," he said.
He praised the red shirts for their perseverance, sacrifice and non-violent stance, adding that only through non-violent struggle would victory be won.
"Brothers and sisters, we have had enough of forces outside the system," he said, adding that Thailand would be better off if foreign investors knew Thai politics really operated in a transparent way so that they could assess their risks.
The gathering yesterday coincided with Constitution Day and protest leaders highlighted the significance of having a people's constituion instead of one sponsored by the military junta, as in the case of the current 2007 charter which was introduced after the 2006 coup in 2006.
There was some criticism of the red shirts for staging a protest while the extended Rajdamnoen Avenue celebration of His Majesty's birthday was still taking place.
However, red shirt Pratchayao Surakamchonrot told The Nation that holding a protest in December was appropriate, as it was also about the demand for a return to the 1997 "people's charter".
He added that the official dates for His Majesty's birthday celebration - December 4 and 5 - had passed.
