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Thai protesters demand new elections
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Tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters are rallying in Thailand's capital, Bangkok to demand that the government dissolve parliament or face massive demonstrations at key sites in the city.
From impoverished rural areas. Arriving in cars, trucks, and on motorbikes.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of red-shirted supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra poured into Bangkok with more expected to join them.
They brought the current government an ultimatum new elections.
Veera Musikapong, Red Shirts' Leader, said, "All red shirts of United Front For Democracy Against Dictatorship call for the government to leave their administrative power by dissolving parliament.We hope to receive an answer within 24 hours."
The Red shirts believe British-born, Oxford-educated prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva came to power illegitimately.
Adding to their anger, Thailand's top court seized 1.4 billion U.S. dollars of Thaksin's assets last month, saying the money was accrued through abuse of power.
But according to Abhisit, immediate elections are unlikely.
Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Prime Minister, said, "I've asked the opposition to discuss reasonable conditions before dissolving the house. But they've abandoned them."
The former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in a military coup 2006, still remains popular among the poor in Thailand.
They are thankful for cheap medical care, low interest loans and other measures introduced by the former Thaksin government.
By videolink, Thaksin spoke to the crowd Sunday night, urging his followers to continue their struggle peacefully.
Thaksin Shinawatra, Former Prime Minister, said, "I want to congratulate you all in advance that you will help make history in Thailand for changing the politics from an elite era to real democracy."
Thailand was plagued by political upheaval in 2008 when yellow-shirted protesters who opposed Thaksin's allies in the previous government occupied the prime minister's office for three months. They then formed a blockade at Bangkok's international airport until a court ousted the government.
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