Rally against Thaksin's release, warning of bigger protestsPichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Students and Peoples Network for Thailand Reform, with a letter opposing the release of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside the Justice Ministry on Monday. (Photo: Students and the People’s Network for Thailand Reform Facebook account)A small group of protesters gathered outside the Justice Ministry on Monday opposing the expected release of Thaksin Shinawatra from prison without having spent a day behind bars. "Thaksin is only a prisoner in name," Pichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Students and Peoples Network for Thailand Reform, declared - to cheers from other demonstrators and some spectators. However, Mr Pichit predicted their number would grow over time, as more people stood up to show their opposition to the privileged treatment accorded Thaksin. Thaksin has been staying on the 14th floor of a wing of the Police General Hospital, ostensibly for treatment for serious illness.
