Bangkok , Thailand ( CNN ) -- Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Wednesday he was not the leader of the United Front for Democracy , the formal name of the Red Shirt opposition , and that their movement calling for new elections is not on his behalf . `` They did not demand anything for me or on my behalf . I am not UDD leader , '' he said. `` Any negotiation to end the demonstration or conflict must be made between the government and UDD leaders . I have no authority to negotiate on behalf of the UDD . '' The anti-government protesters support Thaksin , who was ousted in a 2006 bloodless military coup and who fled the country to avoid a corruption trial . In a statement , Thaksin accused the Thai government of defaming him when it said he was the mastermind behind the violence in the country 's ongoing political crisis . `` I never approve nor agree to any use of violence , '' he said . `` I believe in peace . I love my country as much as any member of this government . I believe in peaceful and non-violent means to end conflict and reject any use of force . If there is any act of terrorism , it is the duty of this government to find the wrongdoer and prosecute them in the court of law . '' He urged the government to not resort to violence to disperse the protesters . `` The government should be mindful that these protesters are Thai citizens . Please do not harm them . Please order the cease fire and begin the negotiation with the UDD leaders so there will be no more loss of life , '' he said .
Thaksin : `` The government should be mindful that these protesters are Thai citizens '' Anti-government protesters support Thaksin who was ousted in 2006 coup . They want to see him back as prime minister and they will not accept any other leader than Thaksin.