Asia-Pacific

Thai PM announces House dissolution

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-10 09:21

BANGKOK - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday announced that the House of Representatives has been dissolved, paving the way for the general election on July 3.

He announced this to Thai people via a special television program on state-run Channel 11 at 8.30 pm local time.  

"I believe that to dissolve the House and allow for a general election to be held is the way for us to move on in solving problems of our country under the democratic system. I, therefore, was very willing to dissolve the House of Representatives."

Abhisit, who is the leader of Democrat Party, said he acknowledged that Thailand is now still facing many problems, including economic problem, corruption problem, drug problem, border dispute with certain "neighboring country," and political conflict, but stressing that his government has started tackling these problems.

Thailand and Cambodia recently had exchanged fire at the border for about two weeks, leaving dozens of casualties on both sides.  

He claimed that since he came to office in 2008, the country's employment rate has grown higher, Thai economy has recovered from recession, agriculture section has become better and Thai tourism industry has hit its highest point.

On political conflict, Abhisit admitted the conflict persists and could not yet bring about reconciliation to this country, but his government "governed by rules of law", adding that his government also has tried to build national reconciliation.

"No matter political colors you are, I believe we would have consensus on the direction of this country that we should first help the poor coping with high cost of living and helping them raising the living standard," he said.

Abhisit became prime minister at a time of global economic turmoil and rising domestic political tensions. During his term, Thailand has two major demonstrations by the pro-former PM Thaksin Shinnawatra.

Abhisit was appointed Prime Minister of Thailand in December 2008, following a Parliamentary vote after the Constitutional Court removed ex-premier Somchai Wongsawat from office, proxy of Thaksin, who was ousted by military coup in 1997.

Lastly the Oxford-educated prime minister thanked the Thai voters for trusting him to be the prime minister for two years.