Bangkok, Dec 11 – Thai caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said various countries have expressed support for Thailand’s decision to hold a general election next year, Xinhua news agency reported.
Surapong said countries such as the U.S., China, Germany, Canada and New Zealand, which have recently voiced concerns over political unrest in the country, wanted the Thai caretaker government to seek peaceful solutions by negotiating with protestors.
They hoped the polls slated for Feb 2, 2014 will proceed smoothly in order for peace and stability to be restored as soon as possible in the country, the minister said.
Former ruling party Pheu Thai said it is ready to contest the election and senior party members have agreed to nominate caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as top candidate.
In a general assembly to be held in mid-December, the Democrat Party will decide whether to field candidates for the general election.
On Monday, Yingluck announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives and has pledged to continue to perform caretaking duties until a new prime minister is elected.
–Bernama
