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Ousted Thai PM Shinawatra calls for revolution

Ousted and exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has called for revolution in Thailand and said he might return to head it.

  • AP
  • Published: 18:09 April 12, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Reuters
  • Thailand’s ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called for a revolution on Sunday after rioting erupted in thecapital, with protesters commandeering public buses and swarming triumphantly over military vehicles in uncheckeddefiance after the government declared a state of emergency.

Bangkok: Ousted and exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has called for revolution in Thailand and said he might return to head it.

Police General Vichai Sangparpai has estimated up to 30,000 anti-government protesters are presently scattered around Bangkok.

Most demonstrators regard Shinawatra as their leader,
"Now that they have tanks on the streets, it is time for the people to come out in revolution. And when it is necessary, I will come back to the country. Let us be strong to fight for true democracy for our people," he said in a phone-in broadcast to followers surrounding the office of the prime minister.

There were signs that the government might again not be able to contain the protesters on Sunday.

"The government can't do anything. There are too many of us," said Lada Yingmanee, a 37-year-old housewife at one of the protest sites.

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