BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said Friday he will stay in power despite growing calls for his resignation in the wake of a deadly confrontation between police and protesters last week.

Somchai’s decision came amid a deepening political crisis that has nearly paralyzed the government.

 and raised fears the army could seize power in its second coup in two years.

It also came a day after army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda — flanked by the commanders of the other armed forces — said in a TV interview that Somchai should take responsibility for the violence and hinted he should step down. Anupong repeated, however, his vow not to stage a coup.

Somchai said the government cannot abandon its work and responsibility.

Somchai took office only last month but was immediately targeted by anti-government protesters for his relationship to his brother-in-law, deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

A demonstration against his government turned into a violent confrontation between police and protesters last week that killed one demonstrator and injured hundreds of others, as well as dozens of police.