Thousands of Thais in anti-junta rally

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BANGKOK, Jun17 (AFP): Thousands of supporters of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra braved rainy skies and heavy security late Saturday to protest against the junta that deposed him.
The demonstration came a day after Thaksin addressed crowds in a recorded speech from London, urging the junta to push ahead with elections set for December and calling for reconciliation after months of political turmoil.
Police said about 10,000 people filled a plaza in central Bangkok, where they chanted "Fight, Thaksin, fight" under a giant banner reading "Democracy now."
Protesters also held signs reading "Junta out" and carried pictures of Thaksin.