April 08, 2009
Most of the protesters massed near the Bangkok residence of privy councilor Prem Tinsulanonda to demand he step down from his palace job for allegedly engineering the military's ouster of their hero, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
They also demanded that current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva quit his post.Red-shirted protesters clapped and cheered as their leaders delivered fiery speeches to denounce Prem, a former army commander and prime minister, and to accuse the country's military, judiciary and other unelected officials of interfering in politics.
"Stop pulling strings from behind the scenes for the benefit of a few people you support at the expense of the majority," shouted Jatuporn Phromphan, a protest leader. "We will not tolerate that!"
Prem, who has denied any involvement in the coup, remained inside his home while police and soldiers stood guard in the streets and within the compound's walls.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 81, is widely revered, and by tradition the utmost respect has also been extended to palace circles around him. To issue public attacks on his top adviser is unprecedented in recent Thai history.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 81, is widely revered, and by tradition the utmost respect has also been extended to palace circles around him. To issue public attacks on his top adviser is unprecedented in recent Thai history.
Wednesday's protest could be another watershed moment in political turmoil that has shaken Thailand since demonstrations calling for Thaksin to step down for alleged corruption and abuse of power led to the 2006 coup.
Thaksin's allies went back into office after post-coup elections, but the anti-Thaksin movement gained momentum through last year. Anti-Thaksin activists _ the yellow-shirted People's Alliance for Democracy _ helped topple two pro-Thaksin governments by occupying the prime minister's offices for three months and seizing Bangkok's two airports for a week.
The yellow shirts ended their protests in December after courts removed two pro-Thaksin prime ministers from office and dissolved their parties, paving the way for Abhisit to take power in parliament in December.
The yellow shirts ended their protests in December after courts removed two pro-Thaksin prime ministers from office and dissolved their parties, paving the way for Abhisit to take power in parliament in December.
Thaksin supporters are now employing virtually the same street-protest tactics in a sustained, grassroots challenge to Thailand's traditional ruling elite.
Thaksin still has strong backing among Thailand's rural majority, who benefited from his generous social and economic programs.
And Wednesday's protest shows his supporters can mobilize a large number of people, said Thitinan Pongsidhirak, a political scientist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.
"But street protesters on their own will not bring down Abhisit's government or force the resignation of certain privy councilors. Something has to give," he said. With no clear resolution in sight, he said the situation remains volatile.
The protesters could "overreach with an unpredictable outcome and dire consequences. So they have to maintain discipline and come up with clear and workable objectives," he said.
Thaksin has been actively supporting the movement in recent weeks, and made his first public accusation against Prem last month, opening the way for wider criticism.
Thaksin spoke late Wednesday via video link from abroad, his image broadcast on three giant screens where protest crowds gathered. He fled Thailand last year before a court convicted him of abuse of power and sentenced him to two years in prison.
"We will not go home empty-handed. We will return with our hands full of democracy. We want to touch it for once. Real democracy, not a fake one," Thaksin said, drawing exuberant cheers.
He denounced the "ruling elite" for meddling in political affairs, creating a system of double standards and instilling fear in civil servants who cannot function honestly.
The protesters say Abhisit took power illegitimately and should step aside and call fresh elections.Abhisit has vowed not to step down.
Police Gen. Vichai Sangparpai estimated about 100,000 demonstrators were on the streets by early evening. Protest leaders vowed to camp for at least three days.
Wednesday's rally came after a two-week sit-in outside Abhisit's office, which at its peak drew 30,000 protesters.Most Thais are nervous about the future of the monarchy once King Bhumibol passes from the scene.
Bhumibol, on the throne for six decades, has been the country's sole unifying figure during crises, but as speculation about his succession has become more urgent, the previously taboo topic of the monarchy's role has become a topic of discussion.
There is particular concern because the heir apparent, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, has not shown the same selflessness and dedication as his father.
Thaksin's critics accused him of disrespecting the king, and even seeking to establish a republic, accusations that the former prime minister rejects.
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