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Thai PM says he will stay despite calls for his resignation
Sunday, October 19, 2008 | No comments posted.
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.
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.
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