Thaksin supporters rally in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra addressed more than 60,000 supporters in a Bangkok stadium Saturday, speaking by phone link from outside the country.

Organizers said the rally was a show of support for the current government, the BBC reported. An opposition group, The People's Alliance for Democracy, seized the prime minister's office in August and has been occupying it ever since.

Those attending the rally wore red shirts, countering the yellow shirts worn by the alliance.

Shinawatra, now living in Britain, was removed from office by a military coup while he was on an overseas trip two years ago. He was found guilty in absentia in August of violating conflict of interest laws.

"I want to return but I can't, although I miss you all," Thaksin said. "If we can't uphold democracy and rid the country of dictatorship, the chances of our country returning to a peaceful state are slim."

Many of those at the rally had traveled long distances from rural parts of Thailand where support for Thaksin is strongest. Chai Wichit, a farmer, told the Bangkok Post he had come by bus from Udon Thani Province with 3,000 other supporters.

"I'm here because I love Thaksin and pity him as a victim of politics," Chai said.