BANGKOK, 27 December 2013 The government digs in its heels, demanding that the general election be held on February 2 as scheduled, adding that it will ask the military to help ensure order on the election day.
Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, the head of Director of the Center of Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), announced that the government would ask the military to overseethe situation on February 2nd, the election day.
In the speech broadcast live on Friday, Surapong said he would meet with the Supreme Commander in the afternoon to discuss the issue. He also accused the anti-government rallies of being violent, causing the death of a policeman who was shot yesterday during the clashes between protesters and police at the party list candidate registration venue.
The Election Commission earlier asked the government to postpone the polling day for fear that it would trigger more violence from the confrontation between the anti-government protesters and government authorities.
