BANGKOK : Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Wednesday
he would consider stepping down for a period of time to ease the
political crisis gripping the kingdom.
But Thaksin also said he had no immediate plans to give up the
prime minister's job.
"I am open to considering every solution," the embattled premier
said, when asked if he would consider stepping down
temporarily.
"I still have to decide what to do. I will make the best decision
when the time comes," Thaksin told reporters in the town of Buriram
in northeastern Thailand, where he was campaigning for April 2 snap
elections.
"If there is anyone who could work instead of me, I would not cling
to my position," he said.
Thaksin spoke one day after some 70,000 protesters blockaded his
office, in the latest mass protest to demand he step down over
allegations of corruption.
The premier was responding to repeated questions about a proposal
from academics and business leaders, who have suggested that
Thaksin step aside for a period of time to allow for political
reforms sought by the opposition.
- AFP /ct