Thai PM dissolves parliament in face of protests
Reuters
2013-12-09
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Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved parliament on Monday (December 9), and called for snap elections.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) THAI PRIME MINISTER YINGLUCK SHINAWATRA SAYING:
"Now that there is dissolution of the house -- the prime minister and the entire team are willing to step down from our positions under article 180(2)."
Tens of thousands of protesters have been on the streets for three weeks, calling for her resignation.
Last week police defended key government buildings from protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets. But calm was restored for the king's birthday.
Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has said he is not interested in a general election. Instead he wants a vaguely defined "people's council" to run the country.
The government has not used excessive force against the protesters but clashes have erupted in which five people have been killed and many more injured.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) THAI PRIME MINISTER YINGLUCK SHINAWATRA SAYING:
"Now that there is dissolution of the house -- the prime minister and the entire team are willing to step down from our positions under article 180(2)."
Tens of thousands of protesters have been on the streets for three weeks, calling for her resignation.
Last week police defended key government buildings from protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets. But calm was restored for the king's birthday.
Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has said he is not interested in a general election. Instead he wants a vaguely defined "people's council" to run the country.
The government has not used excessive force against the protesters but clashes have erupted in which five people have been killed and many more injured.
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