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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Thais head for elections after protests

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva asked King Bhumibol to dissolve parliament to make way for new elections.NEW: King Bhumibol approves Parliament dissolutionNEW: Prime minister: "It is again a new start for people to move Thailand forward" Voters go to the polls July 3, the acting government spokesman saysSupporters of a former prime minister clashed with government backers last year

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved the prime minister's request to dissolve the lower chamber of that country's Parliament on Monday, setting the stage for new elections, a government spokesman said.

"It is again a new start for people to move Thailand forward and to solve various problems of people and their families efficiently under democratic means," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in a national address Monday.

Parliamentary elections will be held July 3, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said.

The prime minister sent a request to King Bhumibol on Friday requesting the move.

Abhisit resisted street demonstrations a year ago demanding that he step down, with clashes between his supporters and those of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sometimes turning violent.

The prime minister sent in government troops to quell long-running protests in the Thai capital last May. Ninety-one people died and hundreds were injured in the street battles that followed.

"The problem rooted from political conflict is another problem which is still severe," Abhisit said in his recorded address Monday. "Absolutely, asked if there is reconciliation, I have to say 'not yet.'"


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