Show of force greets Thai protesters

DUSIT, Thailand, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- More than 6,000 police and army personnel confronted an estimated 20,000 protesters in Dusit, Thailand, who say they want the ousted prime minister reinstated.

The group, called the red shirts, support Thaksin Shinawatra, who spoke to the crowd by radio link Saturday, The Bangkok Post reported.

"Our country has deteriorated and risks being a failed state," he said. "Our country has slid backwards. There is no justice in society.

"The longer this government stays, the bigger the disaster is for the country. Give me just six months as prime minister, and I will bring this country back to normal," he said.

Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup Sept. 19, 2006.

Military officials said public areas thought to be potential targets of threatened bomb attacks were searched.

Heavy rains postponed the planned rally until late in the day.