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Thai Protests About More Than Thaksin
Loading ...For Thais, there may be no more divisive figure than Thaksin Shinawatra. To many of the thousands of anti-government protesters besieging Bangkok, he is their patron. To many others, he is a corrupt politician. But political analysts say the protests have expanded beyond the controversial former prime minister to issues of democratic participation.
Images of Thaksin Shinawatra festoon the anti-government camp in central Bangkok – on banners, posters, hats and shirts.
The former prime minister speaks almost daily to the red-dressed protesters, via satellite communications. He has encouraged their seven-week campaign to force current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down and call new elections.
Focus on the Countryside
Despite his status as a billionaire media tycoon, thousands of the farmers and laborers who make up the protesters see Mr. Thaksin as their champion.
As prime minister he introduced cheap health care and debt relief, in heavily publicized campaigns.
His critics say Mr. Thaksin was corrupt and authoritarian and abused his power.
Via Voice of America.
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