Thaksin's supporters rally ahead of vote on new Thai leader

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-13  |     ONLINE EDITION

POLITICS returned to the streets of Thailand today as pro-democracy activists and supporters of ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra gathered for a rally ahead of Parliament's selection of a new prime minister.

Thousands of Thais were streaming to a stadium in central Bangkok to hear a speech by the self-exiled former prime minister, to be delivered by phone. Organizers said they would also show a video Thaksin had prepared, but refused to say where he would be calling from.

The event is seen as a last-ditch effort by Thaksin and his followers to rally support ahead of Monday's session of Parliament to elect Thailand's new leader.

Previous Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was forced to step down earlier this month, when a court dissolved the pro-Thaksin People's Power Party for fraud committed in the December 2007 election that brought it to power.

Two rival parties claim they have enough support to form a government and select the country's next leader, and intensive behind-the-scenes maneuvering has been taking place to woo legislators not tied to either side.

Thailand's Democrat Party _ which has been in opposition to the Thaksin camp since 2001 _ says it has enlisted enough lawmakers from other parties to form a parliamentary majority and name its leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister.

Party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks expressed confidence that Oxford-educated Abhisit would emerge as the country's leader. He said Thaksin made daily calls over the past week to former supporters who had defected to the Democrats but was unable to persuade them to return.

Thaksin is expected to rally support for the Phuea Thai party, comprising most politicians from the disbanded People's Power Party and its predecessor, the Thai Rak Thai party, Thaksin's ruling party from 2001 until he was ousted by a 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power.