Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sent an SMS message to his supporters urging them to join in the mass anti-government protest by the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in Bangkok this weekend.
The UDD plans a mass rally in Bangkok this weekend, aiming to force the dissolution of the House and a general election. The organisers claim a million supporters will join the protests.
“On this 14, come join forces to bring back the disappeared democracy and justice for the future of our children," Thaksin said in his SMS on Wednesday.
The fugitive politician also wrote on his Twitter page that his two daughters, Pinthongtha and Paethongthan, travelled to Germany today to see a hotel trade exhibition.
“The trip was scheduled long in advance. After that, they will visit me in Dubai as it is a long time since we last met,” Thaksin said.
In response to supporters' questions about possible violence during the red-shirts rally, Thaksin said he had always stressed that the red-shirts must stick to the strategy of Mahatma Gandhi, who used peaceful means in fighting for the independence of India.
“We must fight for democracy by peaceful means and by uncovering the truth, even if most media are under the control of the government,” he said.
The real red-shirts have the same objectives -- a true democracy in which the supreme power belongs to the people, not an elite group, and justice, he said.
Thaksin claimed that the law was being used to get rid of the government’s political opponents.
Thaksin confirmed that army specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol had visited him three times in Dubai.
“The yellow-shirts and people in the government camp also visited me there,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security Suthep Thaugsuban called on leaders of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) should not incite people to confront the anti-government activities of the red-shirts if the government cannot control the situation, .
The PAD should let the government handle the demonstrations planned for March 12 to 14, Mr Suthep said.
"I ask the yellow-shirt leaders that if they love the country they should not make any political movements at this time.
"I insist that there will be no coup," the deputy premier said
Measures for dealing with the red-shirts were in line with international practice and the government would keep the public updated on the situation.
Asked about the departure overseas of members of Thaksin's family, Mr Suthep said this could be a warning for the government to act more cautiously.
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