Thai PM offers date for fresh election
Thailand’s prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has today offered to hold a new election on November 14 if anti-government protesters accept his reconciliation plan and peace and stability is restored.
He made the offer in a live speech broadcast on all the country’s television channels.
Mr Abhisit said he would proceed with his reconciliation plan even if it was rejected by the so-called Red Shirt protesters occupying central Bangkok, but warned he could not set a date for the election if the political situation was not stabilised.
The Red Shirts, who claim Mr Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the help of the army, have called for parliament to be dissolved within 30 days. An election must be held within 60 days of Parliament being dissolved.
