CHEN: And in Thailand the prime minister announced a national referendum to decide his political fate. The hope is that it will end a political crisis that has been going on for three months now. But anti-government protesters call the move a stall tactic to keep the premier in office. STORY: Thousands of protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD, have occupied the Thai Government House for the 11th straight day. They are vowing to continue the three-month-old campaign in Bangkok to oust Prime Minister Samak. The campaign to force Mr. Samak out has been mostly peaceful. But one man was killed and 45 wounded in clashes earlier this week between pro and anti-government groups. As a result emergency rule was brought into effect, giving the army powers to intervene. The referendum was announced on Thursday, but it is not likely to be held soon. [Surasak Sudyodbanpot, Protester]: "Everyone knows that they will win the referendum vote. We can see how they paid to win the last election. So, most of us know what is going on and we don't care about the referendum." Parliament has to pass a referendum law first and the Senate has not started its reading yet. The anti-government PAD has called the plan a delaying tactic to keep Samak in office. [Arom Chettavanich, Protester]: "I think Khun Samak should not buy time. Please, he must think about the country's welfare. The 104 days that we have been protesting here, it has proven that we are sincere to see Khun Samak resign for the sake of the country." The PAD accuses Samak of being controlled by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and is now in exile in London.
Rating: (0 ratings) |
Views: 139 |
Added: Sep 7, 2008 |
| Category: News |
Author: NTDTV |
|
|