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Thai PM: I Won't Return to Power

Posted Sep 12, 08 9:43 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Thailand's ousted prime minister will not seek reelection, possibly paving the way for an end to the country's political crisis. Samak Sundaravej was forced from office Tuesday after the country's supreme court ruled that his appearances on a TV cooking show violated the constitution. "He said he did his best to protect democracy. From now on it's up to the party to decide what to do next," said an aide.

A vote to re-elect Samak had to be postponed today as lawmakers from all parties boycotted the session. It's unclear if Samak's loss of support came from within his People's Power Party, which has a minority of seats, or from the coalition partners he depended upon for support. The party is now said to have a shortlist of three possible nominees for PM.

Sources BBC, Reuters

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Two MPs take their seats in the meeting room of the Parliament House Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand. Opponents of Samak Sundaravej boycotted the session.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Pro-government demonstrators chant slogans during their rally to support ousted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej outside Parliament House in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
Pro-government supporters greet Buddhist monks during a demonstration in support of ousted Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Friday Sept. 12, 2008 in Bangkok.   (AP Photo/Ed Wray)
Thailand's ousted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, center, is surrounded by security guards and reporters as he leaves parliament Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo)
Thailand's ousted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej arrives at parliament house Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo)
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