Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra last night called on his red-shirt supporters to come out in full force for a "historic march" in Bangkok tomorrow.
He said civil disobedience might be necessary in a bid to force the government to dissolve the House of Representatives and "return power to the people". His video-link speech was broadcast to the red shirts' protest site on Rajdamnoen Avenue.
After three days of absence due to what he said to be a sore throat, Thaksin made a speech lasting less than 20 minutes, compared to about one hour in his previous nightly speeches.
"This Saturday is another important day. I would like to urge all Thais to come out and call for House dissolution," Thaksin said. "I beg you all. Please come out in full force."
If our peaceful fight doesn't work, we'll resort to civil disobedience," Thaksin said. "If it's necessary, we will surely resort to civil disobedience," he later repeated.
"We will fight for the future of our children and grandchildren," he told his supporters.
Leaders of the protesting red shirts had announced tomorrow's march along the city's roads would be the "largest ever" in the political history.
Earlier yesterday, red shirt leader Nattawut Saikua said the rally would be different from that of last Saturday and would include more local supporters.
He said the red shirts would campaign today for more Bangkok people to join in the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship's march starting at Phan Fa Bridge on Rajdamnoen Avenue.
A small caravan - including 10 motorcycles, 50 Students' Federation of Thailand members and a group from Santi Withi (Peaceful Path) - will take part in today's recruiting effort.
"This Saturday will see a historic rally, demonstrating the power of the people who want to oust the government," Nattawut said.
