Thailand's Samak on Special Meeting With Cabinet Members

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej called a special cabinet meeting at Supreme Command headquarters at 10.30am Thursday, deputy government spokesman Nattawut Saikua said.

Just a couple of hours earlier, Mr Samak spoke to the nation in live radio broadcast that he would not resign because the country needs a leader. He also said he would not dissolve the parliament.

Mr Samak was expected to discuss about political problems with his ministers.

He is scheduled to speak more to public about political turmoil on FM 96.5 in the afternoon.

Thailand Union Workers On Strike Against Samak

Widespread disruption of public services is expected today as state enterprise labour unions have confirmed they will down tools to press for the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Most have promised strikes and the disruption power and water supplies to government offices, despite the declaration of a state of emergency. Sawit Kaewwan, secretary-general of the State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation, said Monday's resolution will not be revoked.

He said more than 300 representatives of 43 state enterprise labour unions had joined the People's Alliance for Democracy's protest rally.

If the prime minister refuses to resign, the unions will bring operations to a complete halt.

Phien Yongnoo, president of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) labour union, sent a letter to army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda asking him to advise Mr Samak to resign and that the military take over control of the situation from the government.

MEA workers will cut off the power supply to the Defence Ministry if its demands are not met, Mr Phien said in the letter.

Somsak Manop, vice-president of the Thai Airways International labour union, said members will take retaliatory measures today in response to the government's use of force against the people. - Bangkok Post