Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 30, 2008

Thai PM Repeats Vow Not to Resign, Despite Growing Protests
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Protesters accuse Samak Sundaravej of being too close to former PM
Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in 2006 military coup and accused of
corruption 
Samak Sundaravej (file photo)Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has
again vowed not to step down,
despite growing street protests aimed at ousting his seven-month-old
government. Mr. Samak told cheering supporters in Bangkok Saturday that
he will not back down, but will continue to do his job. Meanwhile,
thousands of anti-Samak protesters remain encamped inside the main
government compound, demanding his ouster. Anti-government protesters
also have disrupted air and rail services throughout Thailand. Late
Saturday, the prime minister had a meeting with Thailand's revered king,
Bhumibol Adulyadej, to brief him on the political situation. It was
their second meeting in less than 24 hours. The protesters
accuse Mr. Samak of being too close to former Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra, who was was ousted in a 2006 military coup and is accused
of corruption. Mr. Thaksin is in self-imposed exile in Britain. His
allies, led by Mr. Samak, won parliamentary elections in December
2007.Mr.
Samak has accused the opposition of trying to trigger another military
coup. But the military has said it does not plan to overthrow the
government.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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