The Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, on Wednesday handed power to his deputy only hours after he promised to remain in charge until a new Parliament was formed.
Thaksin, who is standing down following a snap general election, told a cheering crowd outside his party headquarters that the first deputy prime minister and internal security minister, Chitchai Wannasathit, would take over until Parliament chose a permanent replacement. ”I have decided that if I have to rest to let the country move forward, I want to rest now,” he said. ”I have appointed Chitchai to do my work from now on. I need to rest.”
Chitchai and Thaksin studied together in the United States and were former colleagues in the police force. Since Chitchai did not run in the election analysts say that it is unlikely he will become the permanent successor.
Thousands of opponents had camped outside Thaksin’s office for months demanding his resignation over corruption allegations. But the outlook for political stability remained uncertain after the three main opposition parties said they would boycott by-elections prompted by the winners in 39 seats in the poll on Sunday not winning enough votes to get elected. This makes it unlikely a government will be formed soon because, under Thai law, all seats have to be filled before Parliament can be convened and a government appointed.
Thaksin said he decided to step down despite winning 56% of the votes in Sunday’s poll to avoid sparking further turmoil that could disrupt the diamond jubilee of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Chulin Laksanaviset, a deputy leader of the Democrat party, said the three opposition parties would take part in elections only if Parliament passed constitutional reforms which Thaksin’s opponents claim will prevent abuses of power by the executive.
Thaksin was accused of emasculating independent institutions such as the election commission and the constitutional court, making policies to enrich himself, his family and cronies, curbing the free press and abusing human rights. – Guardian Unlimited Â