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Thailand's prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva today extended a nighttime curfew in the capital Bangkok and announced that he would will consider early elections only after the violence that has brought the country to a standstill since March gets over.
It is expected that the dissolution of the Parliament and snap elections will end the conflict between Abhisit’s supporters and the so-called Red Shirts protesters, who are made up mainly of the urban and rural poor. The protesters argued that Abhisit's government is illegitimate.
The protests turned violent after the Red-shirts members occupied the heart of Bangkok, forcing the government to use army to disperse them. The military crackdown ended in a rampage of grenade attacks and arson at dozens of buildings. The protesters set ablaze Thailand’s stock exchange and biggest shopping mall.
In a weekly televised address, Abhisit said that he was willing to hold elections before his term expires late next year. He, however, stressed that he will not take such step under the threat of violence.
"It is now entirely up to me to see when is the most appropriate time to hold the election. At the moment, no one can tell when is the best time. We don't know what will happen next," said Abhisit.
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