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Thai Army Chief Calls for Parliament to be Dissolved

   VOA News 12 April 2010
   An anti-government funeral procession travels in Bangkok

Photo: AP

   An anti-government funeral procession travels in Bangkok, Thailand, 12
   Apr 2010

   Thailand's  influential  army  chief  has  called for parliament to be
   dissolved   and   early   elections  held  as  the  best  way  to  end
   anti-government protests.
   General  Anupong  Paojinda  said  Monday he does not want to use force
   against  the  thousands  of  red-shirted  protesters who are demanding
   Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign.
   The  general  said  dissolving parliament appears to be the reasonable
   step to take.
   Thailand's  election  commission  Monday  recommended  Prime  Minister
   Abhisit's  Democrat  Party  be  dissolved,  accusing it of accepting a
   multi-million dollar campaign contribution in 2005.
   A party spokesman says it fully complied with funding laws.
   The red-shirted protesters carried mock coffins through the streets of
   Bangkok  Monday  to  mourn  the victims of Saturday's violennce in the
   Thai capital.
   At  least  21 people were killed and more than 900 injured when police
   fired at demonstrators -- some of whom were also armed.
   Most  of  the  so-called  "Red  Shirts"  support exiled Prime Minister
   Thaskin  Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup because of
   allegations of corruption.
   The protesters call Mr. Abhisit an illegitimate leader.
   Mr. Thaskin has the backing of many rural and poor Thais.