Ousted Thai premier says he is taking "break from politics"

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Thursday September 21, 2006

London- Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said in London Thursday he was taking a "break from politics" while hoping for quick new elections in Thailand. In a statement issued to the press in London, where Thaksin arrived from New York Wednesday, he urged all parties to work together towards "national reconciliation."

The statement from his office said that, as of now, Thaksin was taking a break from politics and was planning to work on "research, on development and possible charity work for Thailand".

The billionaire politician, who has property in London, was seen stepping into taxi Thursday, telling reporters he was "going to shop for some groceries."

The British government has stressed that he is here on a "private visit."

"The events in Thailand during the last two days should not detract from my main aim of national reconciliation," the statement quoted Thaksin as saying.

He "would like to urge all parties to find ways and means to reconcile and work towards national reconciliation for the sake of our King and country," the statement went on.

He hoped the new regime would quickly arrange a new general election and continue to uphold the principles of democracy for the future of all Thais.

Thaksin's chief policy adviser, Pansak Vinyaratn, said he would remain in London for a few days.

"We won't just stay in London. We will probably go to Europe to have a rest," he was quoted by Thailand's The Nation newspaper as saying.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur