Life in self-imposed exile is pleasantly laid back and far from lonely, says Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s deposed prime minister, who remains a hero to many in that country’s “Red Shirt” movement.

The 61-year-old former leader has kept a low profile since being ousted in a military coup Sept. 19, 2006, but spoke to the Toronto Star in an exclusive interview from his Mideast exile.

“My life is really relaxed,” he said Thursday. “I have lots of people coming to see me.”

On Thursday, that included his Canadian lawyer, Bob Amsterdam, as well as a delegation from Thailand, which remains a country of deep political divisions heading into an election year.

It endured its worst violence in recent memory last spring when Thaksin’s red-shirted supporters poured into the streets of Bangkok to demand elections and protest the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and stayed there for almost two months.

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-- Edited by Roaming reporter on Saturday 8th of January 2011 12:38:43 PM