BANGKOK, Dec 9: Facing massive anti-Government street protests that threatened to spiral into a violent confrontation, raising prospects for a military intervention, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today announced Parliament dissolution and fresh elections midway into her four-year term.
In a televised address to the nation, the Prime Minister said she had sought approval from Thailand’s King for her decision to return power to the people and resolve the political conflict.
The parliament dissolution was announced as large crowds began marching across the city towards the seat of Government in a final push to the over month-long street campaign to oust her and came the night after the main opposition Democrat Party said all its members in the directly elected lower House of Representatives would resign and join the protest march.
“At this stage, there are many people opposed to the Government from many groups, They claimed to represent people. Therefore, the best way is to give back the power to the Thai people and hold an election,” the Prime Minister told the nation.
Ms Yingluck, who took office after a decisive win by her Pheu Thai (For Thai) party in July 2011, said the demands of the anti-Government movement to set up an unelected People’s Council with a nominated prime minister were unconstitutional and it was best for the Thai people to decide on the country’s governance. (AGENCIES)
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