Top brass say his tenure is over; Thai PM resists pressure to resign
Written by Writer on Friday, October 17th, 2008
Top brass say his tenure is over; Thai PM resists pressure to resign
BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat reasserted his intention to continue serving Thailand despite pressure from the Army chief and other top brass, including the police, for him to resign to take responsibility for the October 7 street clashes in Bangkok.
Mr. Somchai convened a meeting with leaders of the government’s coalition parties at Don Mueang airport, which is serving as temporary government offices, Friday afternoon.
Speaking to a press conference about the October 7 clash between the police and People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters at parliament which claimed two lives and injured nearly 500, the prime minister said his government set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and it will accept the result of the investigation no matter the result.
“The government will accept the result of the investigation and all parties concerned must be responsible,” the premier said.
The result is expected to be revealed in 15 days.
Asked about pressure by Army chief Gen. Anupong Paojinda, who urged the prime minister to resign to take responsibility for the October 7 clashes, Mr. Somchai only said he also listen to opinions from all sides.
The premier affirmed that his government would continue their duties and responsibility to ensure that three tasks would be carried out.
The three tasks are imminent events, which are the royal funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on November 14-19, the celebration of His Majesty the King’s birthday which falls on December 5, and the hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in December.
Speaking about resolution of the current political stalemate, he said the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) agreed by all sides in parliament is the legitimate and suitable method to end the turmoil.
“The best way to solve the problem is to bring everyone to the table and also let people participate in the process. After the constitution is amended, we can have a new election,” said the prime minister. (TNA)
