The Prime Minister of Thailand is a combination of Sergio Berlusconi: the richest man in the country; controls the media and lines the pockets of his cronies and George Bush: arrogant, thin-skinned and stupid. He has been tolerated for the economic growth he has brought to the country. However, over the last few months his arrogance and greed has finally become more than the citizenry can bear. (The anti-Thaksin movement surged after his family's $US1.9 billion tax-free sale of stocks in Shin Corp - the telecoms giant he founded before entering politics - to foreign investors in January.)
Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Royal Plaza for the People's Alliance for Democracy rally.
It seems for the average Thai, even a comfortable life is worth risking to end the rule of a man who threatens democracy and even worse for Thai citizens, denigrates the essence of being Thai.
The initial protests forced Thaksin to dissolve parliament and hold snap elections in April. In hopes of capitalizing on the opposition's weakness the election was called a month earlier than would normally be the case. In turn, the People's Alliance for Democracy, has denounced the decision to hold new elections and has urged voters to boycott the polls on April 2.
The anti-Thaksin movement has brought together, academics and students, business people and laborers, high-society and the middle class. They are taking direct action to change their government they feel has lost all legitimacy.
Yesterday's rally drew about 50,000 people, who listened to a diverse range of speakers criticising the PM. Media firebrand Sondhi Limthongkul vowed to stick with the new alliance until Thaksin was ousted."I'm becoming more confident now that Thaksin has less than a month left in power," said Chucheep Pangsapa, who joined the rally from Roi Et.
The Prime Minister is so worried he has been using curses and charms to try and maintain his power...
"Thaksin believes in astrology. He asked me to constantly check the stars before he made any major decision," Samrit said on television this week. Samrit has joined the anti-Thaksin crowd and yesterday went on stage to urge the prime minister to step down.
or simply restort to threats....
"Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra seems to be giving Thais a choice: they are either with him or against him. And he doesn't appear to care whether what he is doing polarises society in a way never seen in recent history.
Time will tell what the outcome will be, but the opposition shows no sign of weakening. Even if he wins all seats in the upcoming election it will make him less legitmate.
It is amazing to see average citizens taking charge in making change and (so far) the police and military letting them do so. Many of my friends are there joining in. A great example for America!