Thailand's main opposition leader called on the caretaker prime minister to resign Saturday to pave the way for a neutral government to preside over reforms and new elections, the avoidance of violence, according to dpa. Abhisit Vejjajiva, chief of the Democrat Party and a former premier, said Yingluck Shinawatra should resign before pending court rulings this month that could indict her and her cabinet for official misconduct, raising the possibility of escalated civil conflict. "I see that we are heading for possible violence, a possible coup," Abhisit said in presenting his plan to end the political impasse. The 10-point proposal calls for the Senate to appoint a neutral prime minister and interim government that would preside until new elections within about six months. Yingluck has been the target of street protests trying to topple her government for the past six months, leading to a political deadlock. The protest movement is demanding political reforms before any new election. Abhisit's proposal calls for the establishment of a pluralistic council to draw up a reform agenda. The reforms would be put up for approval by a referendum, which would bind an incoming elected government. "My proposal depends on Yingluck, who needs to decide on it before the pending court decisions," Abhisit said. Yingluck, younger sister of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is facing at least two critical legal challenges. The Constitutional Court will decide whether to indict her for illegally transferring a national security official to make room for the advancement of a relative and political ally. The National Anti-Corruption Commission is also considering indicting her for dereliction of duty in the mishandling of the government's rice-subsidy programme. Her dismissal would likely bring out the pro-government militants and lead to street violence, perhaps prompting a coup to restore order.
