Thai PM rejects bid to ask help from ex-PMs to resolve political crisis

Bangkok, June 9 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Sunday turned down counsel from a social critic that former prime ministers be asked to help resolve the current political problems with anti-government activists demonstration in central Bangkok demanding his resignation. Speaking during his weekly TV and radio address, Mr. Samak said the suggestion made by public intellectual Dr. Prawase Wasi on Saturday was "not viable" because former prime ministers did not have authority. The prevailing situation needed the current prime minister with the help of a team of his ministers to tackle, he said, and certain issues must be solved by him alone. "I'm ready to take the responsibility", Mr. Samak said. Dr. Prawase suggested that former prime ministers such as Anand Panyarachun, Chuan Leekpai, Banharn Silpa-archa and Chavalit Yongchaiyuth be called in to help resolve the deadlock. Just before Mr. Samak arrived at state-run NBT television, two members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) laid a wreath in protest against him in front of the broadcasting facility. However, they were met by more than 40 pro-government people who went to the station to offer moral support to Mr. Samak. The antagonists exchanged heated words before the pro-government group threw the wreath into a roadside ditch. Over 300 police personnel including plainclothes officers, were seen along the road leading to the station and at the broadcaster's entrance to offer security for Mr. Samak whose government came to power only four months ago. The PAD members and supporters have been holding a demonstration loudly demanding the ouster of Mr.Samak and his government near the ceremonial entrance of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) headquarters. The protest began May 25. (TNA)