Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has quietly resumed some
official duties, his deputy has said, six weeks after he tearfully
stepped aside in the wake of weeks of street protests in
Bangkok.
"Prime Minister Thaksin is now involved with many issues, such
as arranging state ceremonies to mark the king's 60th year on the
throne," Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasathidya told
reporters.
Chidchai has been serving as acting prime minister since Thaksin
stepped aside following controversial April 2 elections.
Thaksin's party won the polls with 56 percent, but his victory
was undermined by an opposition boycott that encouraged many Thais
to cast protest votes.
But the Constitutional Court last week invalidated the election,
and ordered new polls that are tentatively set for October 22.
Chidchai said the court's decision had changed Thailand's
political landscape, allowing Thaksin to resume some of his
official duties.
"Personally I have not yet discussed it with Prime Minister
Thaksin, but it's his decision" about whether to return, Chidchai
said.
Thaksin was not at the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, which
Chidchai led, but he did go to Government House on Monday for a
meeting about the royal anniversary.
Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej next month celebrates the
60th anniversary of his accession to the throne with ceremonies to
be attended by royalty from 30 countries.
Meanwhile, the Lawyers Council of Thailand has sued Thaksin,
saying that his decision to take leave was unconstitutional and
demanding that he return any salary received for the last six
weeks.
The government has insisted that Thaksin's leave is legal.
(Chinadaily.com.cn via agencies, May 17, 2006)
