Premier proposes November election

(Reuters)

Thailand's Prime Minister, facing calls for new elections, has offered to hold polls on 14 November if anti-government protesters accept his reconciliation plan and peace and stability is restored.

Abhisit Vejjajiva made the offer in a live broadcast yesterday on all television channels, eight weeks into a tense stand-off in the capital that has cost 27 lives.

He said that he would proceed with his reconciliation plan even if the so-called Red Shirt protesters occupying central Bangkok rejected it, but in that case he could not set a date for the election. The Red Shirts, who will respond today, claim that Mr Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the help of the army. They have called for parliament to be dissolved in 30 days or less. An election must be held within 60 days of parliament being dissolved.