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Thai cabinet to solve turmoil through referendum

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-04 15:38

BANGKOK -- During the special cabinet meeting on Thursday, Thailand's government agreed to find ways to solve the ongoing political chaos by conducting a "public referendum", local radio reported.

An anti-government protestor sitting at Government House weeps as she listens to an early morning radio broadcast by Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej in Bangkok Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. [Agencies]

The FM 100 traffic radio quoted the Culture Minister Somsak Kietsuranond as saying that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said the referendum is the best solution to the problem.

The decision was made at a special cabinet meeting on Thursday at the Supreme Command Headquarters, where is now the temporary office of the premier and cabinet after protesters led by People's Alliance for Democracy stormed into and occupied the Government House.

Somsak said Office of the Council of State of Thailand will consider legislations concerned in conducting the referendum.

Earlier, sources from the ruling People Power Party led by Samak said during the referendum a total of three questions will be on listed as follows: Should the government continue in office, resign, or dissolve the House for a snap election? Should the PAD continue or end its protests? Should the PAD's proposal on new politics to revamp the electoral system be accepted?

However, there is no respondence from the PAD so far. Earlier, the anti-government civil group which occupied the Government House since August 26 suggested four conditions for the government to end the mass rally.

The conditions are that the government must promise not to amend the charter in its favor; to observe the Constitution Court' s order over the Preah Vihear temple; to suspend all mega-projects; and to commit to political reform and increased public participation in politics.