Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra says it will not be long before he returns home to Thailand.
About 200 red shirts pray to seek divine blessings for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on his 63rd birthday atWat KaewFah in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi, yesterday. TAWATCHAI KEMGUMNERD
The Pheu Thai Party yesterday opened "Thaksin Shinawatra" library at its headquarters to mark the 63rd birthday of its de facto leader.
In his address to well-wishers via a video link from Hong Kong, Thaksin said that reading brings knowledge and knowledge is power.
He also urged members of the Democrat Party to come and read the books in the library to learn that knowledge, not money, is power. Thaksin said the Democrats took away 60% of his money because of this mistaken belief that it was all about money.
Thaksin also said the country is now in a state of chaos because there are more uninformed people than knowledgeable ones and politicians have just become story-tellers.
He called on politicians to read good books and he would send to the library those books that he has read while living in exile.
"We, Pheu Thai, don't tell stories to people. Tell them what is the truth and what is knowledge. Educate and enlighten society," he said.
The former prime minister also said he would return to Thailand soon.
"Now have I received an entry visa from every country. It's only Thailand's I am waiting for," he said.
Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, speaking on behalf of well-wishers, yesterday wished Thaksin a happy birthday.
Copies of the Eyes on the Stars, Feet on the Ground book were also distributed as souvenirs for the well-wishers. Thaksin wrote an introduction, "11 Years On".
Thaksin wrote that he did not wish to seek revenge and instead would cooperate with all sides to resolve conflicts.
"The country is almost failing. Almost every mechanism can't function because the rule of law is ignored. We must work together to restore the country under the constitutional monarchy. It is the only way to tackle the problems and bring prosperity to society," he said.
Speaking in a televised interview, Thaksin said the current charter is a minefield which can disrupt the government at any time.
"There are bombs everywhere. There is a process which can bring the government down and limit its capacity. We can't dream too far," he said.
Thaksin said that he found it difficult to imagine what would happen to the country over the course of the next three years because of the "undemocratic state" of the nation.
He also noted that political conflicts were hindering foreign investments and development.
Red shirts across the country yesterday joined in celebrating Thaksin's birthday by making merit.
In Chiang Mai, more than 100 tuk-tuk drivers yesterday organised a sueb chata ceremony at Wat Don Jan.
The ceremony is believed to bring good luck and prolong life.
Democrat Party MP Thepthai Senpong also forwarded his birthday wishes to Thaksin.
"As a man who follows his movement, I wish him a clear conscience and respect for the rules," he said.