Thailand Prime Minister announced Monday the dissolution of parliament and elections “as soon as possible” to try to get out of a deep political crisis, but failed to appease the protesters determined to bring down his government.
“My fans want more than the dissolution,” responded the leader of the protesters, Suthep Thaugsuban, a position of strength while some 100,000 protesters took to the streets of Bangkok, according to a police official of the crisis center.
The protesters did not budge from their demand for the end of “Thaksin system”, referring to the prime minister overthrown by a coup in 2006, accusing remain in control through his sister Yingluck.
“The fight will continue. Our goal is to make the Thaksin regime fall,” insisted Suthep, told AFP. Firm in his desire to replace the government with a “People’s Council” unelected, he walked Monday morning at the head of one of the many processions converging towards the seat of government to the sounds of whistles, a symbol of protest that lasts for over a month.
By late morning, thousands of people had already arrived at the seat of government, in the classic carnival atmosphere marking the beginning of the protests in Thailand.
In the ranks of this heterogeneous movement of the citizens of Bangkok near the main opposition party, the Democratic Party and ultra-royalist groups, united by their hatred of Thaksin and their obsession with the evolution of society.
The movement has gained momentum since the end of November with the occupation of several ministries and departments and up to 180,000 demonstrators in the street. He radicalized there a week with attempts to take the seat of government, who have turned to clashes between police and demonstrators.
“Let the people decide”
The Prime Minister suggested Monday morning in a televised address dissolution of Parliament “on the basis of consultations with various parties” in order to “let the people decide.”
But the announcement comes as the political crisis seems to have gone to another level, after weeks of dialogue of the deaf between opposition and government.
Last sign of the political impasse: the more than 150 members of the Democratic Party have announced their resignation Sunday, casting a shadow over the legitimacy of the Parliament of 500 seats where the Puea Thai Yingluck prevails.
Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrats and former Prime Minister, did not comment on Monday morning announcing the new prime minister elections, although he had previously hinted that his party could participate.
The Democratic Party has not won national elections in 20 years, so far unable to expand its electoral base stationed in Bangkok and the south.
With its mass resignation, the Democratic Party is nevertheless returned to the heart of the protest, after surprisingly cleared in recent weeks behind Suthep, who resigned from the party to lead the protests.
The crisis flared up Monday after a break of a few days for the 86th anniversary of King Bhumibol, regarded as a demi-god by many Thais. In a city accustomed to political violence, new concrete blocks were installed around the seat of government.
Monday will be the “day of judgment” promised Suthep, whose idea of a “people’s council” unelected attracted criticism about its anti-democratic nature.
The anger of demonstrators is part of a draft amnesty law, according to critics, would have allowed the return of Thaksin, in exile to escape prison for embezzlement.
Billionaire divides the country between rural and urban poor masses of the North and Northeast, who worship and Bangkok elite who see him as a threat to the monarchy.
These deep divisions in society were highlighted during the crisis of spring 2010, which had some 90 dead and 1,900 injured. Up to 100,000 “Red Shirts” loyal to Thaksin had then occupied central Bangkok for two months to demand the resignation of Abhisit, before an assault army.
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Thailand: Announcement of the Dissolution of Parliament, No Effect on Protesters
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