Thaksin resigns
undefined
undefined
04-05-2006 09:20
Thailand's Prime Minister has announced his resignation after meeting with the King. In stepping down, Thaksin Shinawatra says he wants to resolve the country's political crisis. Opposition leaders welcomed the announcement, saying they'll abandon their street protests.
Thaksin said he made the decision to step down out of respect for a request from King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Making his announcement on state-run television, the prime minister said he would remain in a caretaker role until parliament resumes and can choose his successor.
Thaksin said, "I have decided to step down as prime minister, although I will remain in the post as caretaker according to Article 215 of the Constitutional Law. The law says a prime minister who resigns must stay on in the post until parliament chooses someone else to take over. So, I will continue to fulfill the duties of prime minister until that day, and I will do my best and try to build unity."
Thaksin also said he is willing to work with the opposition to get through the country's crisis and carry out political reforms.
Protest leaders have welcomed Thaksin's resignation.
Chanlong Srimuang, Anti-Thaksin Protest Leader, said, "From Wednesday, we will stop our protests, the camping out, the staying overnight, as we have promised. I will call another rally on Friday and then stop temporarily."
There is still some skepticism that Thaksin will try to manipulate the new government. Protesters warned they could take to the streets again if such a situation arises.
The campaign for Thaksin's resignation started in late January after his family sold its controlling stake in telecom giant, Shin Corporation, to a Singapore state-owned investment company. Critics alleged the sale involved insider trading and tax dodges, and complained that a key national asset was now in a foreign government's hands. In an effort to end the crisis by strengthening his political position, Thaksin called a snap election, which was held on Sunday. The opposition refused to take part in the poll. Although Thaksin's party won 57 percent of the ballot, a large number of voters stayed at home, including a majority in the capital, Bangkok.
The opposition boycott left 38 constituencies undecided. None of the sole candidates in these constituencies secured the 20 percent of ballots required for uncontested seats.
With Thaksin's resignation, Thailand's Election Commission says by-elections will be held on April the 23rd to fill the empty seats.
This will solve a constitutional crisis, as parliament cannot convene until all seats are filled.
