"I am taking a well-earned break;" Military rulers assume parliament's duties.
By JPOST STAFFthai pm 298.88(photo credit: AP)
Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatr announced on Thursday afternoon that he had no intention of returning to his former position.
"I am taking a well-earned break," said Shinawatr in a message published in London where he is currently residing.
The officer who led the military-led coup called on other leaders to hastily prepare for new elections, stressing that it was vital to find a peaceful resolution "for the good of the king and the state."
Thailand's new military rulers announced that they were assuming the duties and responsibilities of the parliament, which was dissolved when the government was ousted.
Earlier Thursday, the coup makers announced a ban on meetings by political parties and barred the establishment of new parties, saying in an announcement made on all Thai television stations that the action was taken to maintain peace and order.
The actions are the latest moves by the junta to maintain control, even though no open opposition has surfaced to its Tuesday night takeover. Other moves include limitations on public meetings and restrictions on the media.
AP contributed to this report
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