LOC14:22
11:22 GMT
KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (KUNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva
announced his resignation from the ruling democratic party, after losing the
elections against opposition "Pheu Thai" party headed by Yingluck Shianwatra.
The democratic party only won 160 seats in the 500-seat parliament, while
Pheu Thai party won 265.
Vejjajiva said in remarks to local media that he presented his resignation
to the party, wishing that it will choose its new head during the few coming
months.
Red-shirt protesters are celebrating the win of their candidate Shianwatra,
sister of ousted Premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
They said it was a win for the people of Thailand in the political conflict
that lasted for six years.
The red-shirt protesters represent the poor Thai inhabitants of villages
and traditional elites.
Political analysts expressed fears that in case the democratic party won
the elections, the re-shirt protesters would carry out massive demonstrations.
Shianwatra is the first female Thai Prime Minister in the country's history
in spite of her humble political experience, while her brother would support
her in her new post.
The winnig of the opposition party in the parliamentary elections was a
great surprise to the ruling party, which was protected by the army.
The army has a remarkable presence in the political arena, especially as
the country witnessed 18 military coups during the last 79 years.
The red-shirt protesters held massive demonstrations and protests to
overthrow Vejjajiva's cabinet, which resulted in the killing of 91, while
injuring more than 200 in clashes with the army in Bangkok.
Since the military coup to expel Thaksin, Thailand witnessed continuous
political crises marked by violence and disorder, while the result of the
elections would put an end to the political unrest in the country. (end)
aab.lb
KUNA 041422 Jul 11NNNN