Thaksin Shinawatra, 30 May 2007

Thailand's military-installed government has lifted a ban on web sites linked to deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Hi-Thaksin web site and other online sites had been blocked since early last week before a high court dissolved the ousted prime minister's party, Thai Rak Thai.

Mr. Thaksin said Thursday that he would like to return to Thailand from exile to live as a normal citizen once democracy is restored.

Earlier this week, the military government removed a ban on political party activities, but Thai Rak Thai members are still barred from participation.

Thailand is scheduled to hold a constitutional referendum in September and a general election in December.

Mr. Thaksin was removed from power last September in a bloodless military coup following weeks of demonstrations against alleged corruption and abuse of power.

A Thai court last week disbanded Mr. Thaksin's former Thai Rak Thai party for committing fraud during last April's general elections. Thai Rak Thai won the vote, but the results were annulled because of irregularities.

The government continues to block access to U.S. video sharing web site YouTube as it negotiates the removal of clips mocking Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP.