Thai PM rules out martial law
Source: Agencies |
May 3, 2010, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THAILAND'S prime minister said yesterday that he had no plans to declare martial law despite growing demands that the government take firmer measures to end protests that have paralyzed parts of Bangkok for seven weeks.
In a small concession, the demonstrators yesterday shifted their tire barricades away from a hospital on the edge of their encampment in a move intended to allow the medical facility to reopen.
Many Thais have grown increasingly frustrated with the stalemate, which has killed at least 27 people, cost the country tens of millions of dollars, and sparked concerns of a flare-up of civil unrest.
In an emergency meeting yesterday, the Cabinet approved special funding for the police to contain the demonstrators. Before the meeting, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government had a plan for ending the crisis, but he declined to say what it was.
"I insist that the government has a clear approach," he said in his weekly television address. "All responsibilities rest with me. Every decision has been made. At the moment it's at the stage of execution for the most successful outcome."
Abhisit did not say what those decisions were, though he expressed willingness to make some compromises.
"Those violating the law must cease, whereas the government should not ignore the political demands," he said.
The Red Shirts, who view the government as an illegitimate puppet of Bangkok's urban elite and the military, are demanding that Abhisit resign, dissolve Parliament and call new elections.
Abhisit said yesterday he was reluctant to give into demands for martial law.
In a small concession, the demonstrators yesterday shifted their tire barricades away from a hospital on the edge of their encampment in a move intended to allow the medical facility to reopen.
Many Thais have grown increasingly frustrated with the stalemate, which has killed at least 27 people, cost the country tens of millions of dollars, and sparked concerns of a flare-up of civil unrest.
In an emergency meeting yesterday, the Cabinet approved special funding for the police to contain the demonstrators. Before the meeting, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government had a plan for ending the crisis, but he declined to say what it was.
"I insist that the government has a clear approach," he said in his weekly television address. "All responsibilities rest with me. Every decision has been made. At the moment it's at the stage of execution for the most successful outcome."
Abhisit did not say what those decisions were, though he expressed willingness to make some compromises.
"Those violating the law must cease, whereas the government should not ignore the political demands," he said.
The Red Shirts, who view the government as an illegitimate puppet of Bangkok's urban elite and the military, are demanding that Abhisit resign, dissolve Parliament and call new elections.
Abhisit said yesterday he was reluctant to give into demands for martial law.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
