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Thousands rally in Thailand
21/12/2007 19:16 - (SA)
Bangkok - Exiled premier Thaksin Shinawatra injected himself on Friday into the last night of campaigning for general elections, as one of his political allies announced that he would return to Thailand in February.
About 20 000 cheering supporters, some wearing Thaksin masks, filled a park in Bangkok's historic district where his allies in the People Power Party (PPP) held their final rally ahead of Sunday's elections, which are meant to restore democracy after more than a year of military rule.
"Thaksin said if he came back before the government is formed, he would be accused of trying to make more trouble," PPP's deputy leader Chalerm Yoobamrung said to thundering applause.
"So he will return on February 14, which is Valentine's Day, the day of love," he said. Stayed in the spotlight
The twice-elected Thaksin has lived in Britain since his government was overthrown in a bloodless coup in September 2006 following months of political turmoil and street protests.
He has succeeded in staying the spotlight and casting a long shadow over the elections, partly through his purchase of the Manchester City football club, which captured headlines here for weeks.
His supporters in the PPP have also openly campaigned with promises to revive the nation's economy by following Thaksin's policies of encouraging foreign investment while lavishing cash on Thailand's rural heartland.
"Starting now, our country will return to normal, no matter which party (the military) supports. I have no reason to be afraid of them. I haven't done anything wrong," PPP leader Samak Sundaravej said.
PPP's main rival, the Democrat Party led by Oxford-educated Abhisit Vejjajiva, has struggled to draw voters' attention away from Thaksin and to broaden his party's appeal beyond Bangkok's middle classes and its traditional stronghold in the south.
For their final rally, Abhisit drew about 2 ,000 people to a small park next to an upmarket mall in downtown Bangkok, police said. 'Major change'
"This Sunday's election is not just about the junta and Thaksin. Thais cast their ballots this Sunday for the future of the country," he told the cheering crowd.
"Thai people have learned the lesson of old politics. This Sunday we have to bring a major change to restore peace in the country," he said.
But the country remains fiercely divided, with the poorer northeast still loyal to Thaksin, while people in more prosperous Bangkok and the central regions are vehemently opposed to the return of the millionaire politician.
Analysts predict that neither party will win an outright majority of the 480 seats up for grabs, forcing them to form a coalition with a clutch of smaller outfits.
- AFP
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