DHAKA: Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she would dissolve the parliament and call an election, after sustained protests in the capital, Bangkok.

The move followed the resignation of all opposition MPs from parliament on Sunday, and a planned march on Government House on Monday.

Ms Yingluck won elections in 2011.

However the protesters allege her government is controlled by ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra, and have vowed to continue the demonstrations.

The announcement came as Ms Yingluck addressed the nation on television.

"The government does not want any loss of life," she said.

"At this stage, when there are many people opposed to the government from many groups, the best way is to give back the power to the Thai people and hold an election," she said. "So the Thai people will decide."

No date was given for the polls but Ms Yingluck said they would be held "as soon as possible".

Source: BBC
BDST: 1039 HRS, DEC 09, 2013