Thai Government cancels early elections

THAILAND: The Thai Government abruptly cancelled Thursday its proposal to hold early elections and intensified its crackdown against an opposition crowd reluctant to give up their protests.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva revoked its election proposal and adopted the “Operation Ratchaprasong”, which mobilizes 32 000 troops to evict the opponents of the commercial district.

But the Government hesitates to implement its earlier decision to cut water and electricity in Ratchaprasong, where in addition to shopping centres and hotels there are two hospitals, several schools, houses and embassies that closed early.

The besieged Abhisit insists on carrying out his national reconciliation plan, known as Roadmap, but now without the November 14 elections or dissolution of Parliament.

To disperse, as required by the Premier, the opposition movement Red Shirts demanded the arrest of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is accused of ordering an attack that left 25 dead on April 10.

The protestors decided to stand firm even if they cut the water supply, food and electricity. The Red Shirts, mostly peasants and humble people of the city, are equipped with electric generators and public hydrants to withstand power and water cuts.

Bangkok, Prensa Latina