Thai PM rules out martial law
Source: Agencies |
May 3, 2010, Monday
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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.
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