Top brass say his tenure is over; Thai PM resists pressure to resign

BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat reasserted
his intention to continue serving Thailand after the Army chief and the
commanders of all the country's armed services, including the police, told
him clearly and unequivocably that his time is up, that he should resign
to take responsibility for the October 7 clash.

Mr. Somchai convened a meeting with leaders of the government's coalition
parties at Don Mueang airport, which is serving as temporary government
offices, Friday afternoon.

Speaking to a press conference about the October 7 clash between the
police and People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters at parliament
which claimed two lives and injured nearly 500, the prime minister said
his government set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident
and it will accept the result of the investigation no matter how the
result will come out.

The result is expected to be revealed in 15 days.

Asked about pressure by Army chief Gen. Anupong Paojinda, who urged the
prime minister to resign to take responsibility for the October 7 clash,
Mr. Somchai only said he also listen to opinions of all sides.

The premier affirmed that his government would continue their duties and
responsibility to ensure that three tasks would be carried out.

The three tasks are imminent events, which are the royal funeral of HRH
Princess Galyani Vadhana on October 14-19, the celebration of His Majesty
the King's birthday which falls on December 5, and the hosting of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in December.

Speaking about resolution of the current political stalemate, he said the
Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) agreed by all sides in parliament is
the legitimate and suitable method to end the turmoil. (TNA)