Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin faces growing opposition to his corruption-plagued rule as protests to his government continue. Events are moving faster now that opposition political parties have refused to participate in an election Thaksin called two weeks ago. Although a majority of urban dwellers don't support him, Thaksin is still strong in the countryside, where poorer, less educated farmers have benefited from his populist policies and blatant vote-buying efforts. And given Thailand's predominantly rural population, it is very likely that Thaksin would win the April election. So the opposition boycott based on political calculation as well: since it cannot win the April vote, it is best to prevent it from taking place.
This growing breakdown in the political process is following the astrological script as Saturn bears down on Thailand's Moon. Watch for intensifying strife in the weeks ahead ending with Thaksin's ouster. In all likelihood, this will not be a peaceful transfer of power.
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