Thai PM proposes election on Nov 14

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Thai PM proposes election on Nov 14 
Bangkok Post: 3 May 2010
PM: Election could be held on Nov 14

Bangkok Post * Published: 3/05/2010 at 10:19 PM

An election may be held on Nov 14 if all parties agree to a reconciliation process that the government proposes and peace be restored in the country, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in a nationally televised address on Monday night.

He vows to proceed with his reconciliation plan even if peace is not restored, but he could not set a date for the election in that case.

His five-point roadmap covers the following issues:

1. Respecting the monarchy.

2. Solving social and economic injustice through a national reform.

3. Ensuring free but responsible media.

4. Probing incidents resulting in the loss of life or affecting the public's sentiment. The incidents include the April 10 clashes and the blocking of the entraces of Chulalongkorn Hospital.

5. Amending the charter to be more fair to all political parties.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/176812/pm-election-could-be-held-on-nov-14

[nookiebear]

Will it solve anything??,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I fear not.

[Admin]

Thai red-shirts stay put while leaders seek clarifications 
: 4 May 2010
Thai Protesters to Stay Put

WALL STREET JOURNAL * MAY 4, 2010, 9:06 A.M. ET
By JAMES HOOKWAY And WILAWAN WATCHARASAKWET
BANGKOK -- Anti-government protesters in Bangkok will not vacate a central shopping zone they have occupied for several weeks despite plans to re-enter negotiations with the government, a protest leader said.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, "Red Shirt" leader Nattawut Saikua said the Red Shirt protesters agree in principle with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's offer on Monday to begin discussing ways to end the marathon street protests that have paralyzed Bangkok, and hold an election on Nov. 14.

But he said he is still waiting for the government to show it is sincere about the offer and he said the protest movement has other conditions that must be met before a deal can be sealed.
Mr. Nattawut said protest leaders also questioned the date of the proposed vote, and suggested it could be earlier.

The cautious response to the prime minister's proposal came after Thai shares closed up 4.4% in heavy trade Tuesday amid optimism that the weeks-long protests may soon end.

The benchmark SET Index finished at 796.86, its highest closing level since April 7 -- just before clashes on April 10 between the military and anti-government demonstrators left 25 people dead and hundreds injured.

During a national televised address late Monday, Mr. Abhisit detailed his proposal, which includes setting up an independent inquiry into clashes involving protesters since they launched their bid to topple the government on March 12, and the prosecution of those who have broken the law during the demonstrations.

The prime minister also said he wants more social equality, possible amendments to the constitution, a media which doesn't encourage conflict, and to prevent people involving revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej in political debate.

Mr. Abhisit has previously offered to hold elections in December, one year before his term is due to end, but that was rejected by his opponents who demanded house dissolution within 30 days. Some observers say the prime minister wants to hold onto power at least until September when a crucial shuffle of Thailand's powerful military is scheduled.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703866704575223772181634604.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines