Despite bringing an end to the worst political violence in Thailand's modern history, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is in no mood for any kind of celebration, Reuters reported. The urbane, Oxford-educated economist, one of the world's youngest prime ministers, said on Saturday he was saddened by the bloodshed and his tough stance on anti-government protesters in Bangkok was aimed at preserving peace and not political power. In his most candid comments since the end of a nine-week anti-government campaign in which 88 people were killed and almost 2,000 wounded, Abhisit expressed remorse for the deaths but said he was determined to press ahead with a reconciliation plan to settle the divisive five-year conflict once and for all. "It's been a very difficult few months to say the least. Personally. I never wanted to see loss of lives. My decisions have to be based on what I feel is right for the country," he told foreign journalists. Abhisit, 46, said he had tried repeatedly to reach out to the protest leaders, who accuse him of coming to power illegitimately and demand he quit. Abhisit claimed he had long sought to avoid the use of the military, which he said had ultimately exercised restraint, despite the large number of casualties. -- SPA
