Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attacked the government’s handling of the economy today and told thousands of cheering supporters not to abandon the fight for democracy in one of the largest demonstrations to hit the kingdom in months.

Tensions rose in Thailand today as ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a video address to supporters who have been holding daily protests against the country’s coup leaders, and said he was being persecuted by those who replaced him.

Hundreds of people marked the six-month anniversary of Thailand's coup with a protest today demanding the quick restoration of democracy in the south-east Asian country.

Hundreds of anti-coup protesters today demanded a quick return to democratic rule in Thailand, in the largest demonstration since former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted from power in September.