Thai leader calls anti-government rally

    By IANS,

    Bangkok: Thailand’s anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban Tuesday night announced a new massive rally to be staged Sunday.

    Suthep called on the Thais to join the protest in an attempt to force caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down, Xinhua reported.

    He would also lead marches in the capital Thursday and Friday, added the former deputy prime minister and now secretary general of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

    Yingluck Tuesday reiterated that she would stay on the caretaking post until a new prime minister is elected. The coming general election is scheduled for February 2, 2014.

    Representatives of the PDRC Tuesday met with the Election Commission to demand the general election be postponed.

    The EC is ready to postpone the election provided that political parties agree and the delay is legally permitted, EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said.

    But if the election cannot be postponed, the PDRC should help ensure an election is held in a fair manner and without vote buying, Somchai added.