| Thailand’s PM Resigns |
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by Joanna Zonunsangi, 24x7 Updates
Thailand’s embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has announced his resignation. While speaking on TV, he also confirmed that until a new premier was chosen he would remain a caretaker prime minister. Mr. Thaksin has urged his country men to re-unite in the midst of continuing political crisis which he had hoped to end by calling for snap election’s on Sunday.
Unfortunately for Mr.Thaksin, he was only able to secure 57% of the votes, and this dismal performance in the elections brought about his resignation. He also acknowledged that his share of votes had dropped considerably since last years elections. Prior to the elections the Prime minister had declared that in case he was unable to get more than half of the votes he would step down
Before the announcement of his resignation Mr. Thaksin met with the country’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He even quoted the king as he spoke on national TV, "If we keep competing with each other at the end the loser is the country."
Mr Thaksin, 56, has called snap polls three years early in response to mounting protests against his rule. Since Thailand started electing its leaders in 1932, Mr. Thaksin has proved to be the country’s most popular prime minister. Criticism against his rule began in January this year after his family was known to have made a tax-free $1.9 billion by selling its stake in telecommunication group Shin Corp.
Mr. Thaksin’s resignation has been welcomed by the protest leaders who on Tuesday declared that in case Mr.Thaksin resigned they would call for fresh protests. Mr.Thaksin’s one-time mentor, Chamlong Srimuang, who is one of the leaders protesting, said, "This is our victory. If we had not helped each other in the protests, today would not have happened."
All opposition parties had boycotted the poll and signs of a large protest vote were present all over the country particularly in Bangkok and in the South of the country.
Thailand’s election officials have said that will carry out the by-elections within the required 30 days so that the parliament can convene.
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