Victory of pro-Thaksin party in Thai election bodes further instability

Thailand's first election since a 2006 military coup ended Sunday with a big victory for loyalists of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a stunning rebuke to those who ousted him for alleged corruption.

No party won an absolute majority, however, setting the stage for a battle over forming a government _ which could create instability and delay the promised return to democratic rule.

Many fear that a government led by Thaksin loyalists could seek revenge for the coup. About 60 percent of 45 million eligible voters cast ballots for around 5,000 candidates, the state Election Commission said.

Still, the failure of the pro-Thaksin People's …