26 MARCH 2009 -- BANGKOK, THAILAND: Supporters of exiled former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra demonstrate in favor of his return in Bangkok. More than 30,000 members of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known as the "Red Shirts" and their supporters gathered on Sanam Luang (the vast open field in front of the Palace) and descended on central Bangkok March 26 to start a series of protests against and demand the resignation of current Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his government. The protest is a continuation of protests the Red Shirts have been holding across Thailand. Thaksin was deposed in a coup and went into exile rather than go to prison after being convicted on corruption charges. He is still enormously popular in rural Thailand. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ