Thai PM announces House dissolution, election on July 3

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday announced that the House of Representatives has been dissolved, paving the way for the general election on July 3; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

He announced this to Thai people via a special television program on state-run Channel 11 at 8.30 p.m. local time.

"I believe that to dissolve the House and allow for a general election to be held is the way for us to move on in solving problems of our country under the democratic system. I, therefore, was very willing to dissolve the House of Representatives."

Abhisit, who is the leader of Democrat Party, said he acknowledged that Thailand is now still facing many problems, including economic problem, corruption problem, drug problem, border dispute with certain "neighboring country," and political conflict, but stressing that his government has started tackling these problems.

Thailand and Cambodia recently had exchanged fire at the border for about two weeks, leaving dozens of casualties on both sides.

He claimed that since he came to office in 2008, the country's employment rate has grown higher, Thai economy has recovered from recession, agriculture section has become better and Thai tourism industry has hit its highest point.

On political conflict, Abhisit admitted the conflict persists and could not yet bring about reconciliation to this country, but his government "governed by rules of law", adding that his government also has tried to build national reconciliation; Kazinform cites Xinhua.