THAI political leaders allied to the ousted government said today that they plan to establish a movement outside the country to campaign against military rule.

“We believe democracy in Thailand has been systematically destroyed,” said former government minister and Red Shirt founding member Jakrapob Penkair in Phnom Penh, the capital of neighbouring Cambodia.

“People have been hunted and bullied with no sense of fairness, justice or decency.

“We aim to create an organisation for all groups fighting the coup inside and outside Thailand.”

Mr Jakrapob was forced to resign as a minister in May 2008 after being accused of violating royal dignity laws and has lived in Cambodia for some time.

But National Council for Peace and Order spokesman Winthai Suvaree said: “Thai law can’t touch those who flee abroad but we will seek international co-operation to bring them back.”

“We are monitoring groups resisting the coup. Those who were summoned and do not show up will face the law.”