PM uncertain when election will take place

BANGKOK, June 29 (TNA) – Despite reassuring the public that a new election will be held, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thursday appeared uncertain regarding the future poll as he did not reaffirm the October 15 date previously suggested.

"There must be (a general election) for sure," he said.

Asked about a report suggesting that a draft royal decree determining the election day would be changed, the prime minister said he was not certain.

The Thai cabinet recently endorsed the Election Commission's proposal that October 15 be the date for a new general election.

The commission proposed a new election day after the Constitution Court nullified the controversial April 2 election on the basis that it was unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Suranand Vejjajiva said no alternative days have been offered as a poll date except October 15, but said some factors might prompt changing the proposed day.

He said the new general election should be held in a manner acceptable to all parties, transparently, to enable Thai democracy to move forward.

TNA

PM resumes weekly radio address to the public

BANGKOK, June 30 (TNA) - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will resume his weekly address to the public from this coming Saturday (July1).

The prime minister told journalists on Thursday that his weekly radio address would be broadcast at the same time--from 08:00-09:00 a.m. on Saturdays.

"I'll resume my weekly radio address from this coming Saturday, but this time I'll talk only on issues of public and national interest," said Mr. Thaksin.

Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee told journalists that the prime minister would continue his weekly radio address until a Royal decree setting the new general election date is issued.

"As the caretaker government is to continually serve the public and the nation until the new general election is held, the prime minister has decided to resume his weekly radio broadcast to report to the people on issues concerning public and national interest," noted Dr. Surapong.

"The prime minister will also use his radio address to encourage all parties concerned, particularly government agencies, to continue to carry on their tasks for societal and national benefits," he said.

Dismissing the opposition's allegation that Mr. Thaksin would use his weekly radio broadcast to take a political advantage against rival parties, the government spokesman stressed that the prime minister's radio address would only be focused on public and national interest.

Mr. Thaksin suspended his weekly radio address after a Royal decree on the dissolution of the House of Representatives was issued on February 24, leading to the April 2 snap election, which was boycotted by the former oppositon bloc and later nullified by the Constitutional Court.

TNA