Thai PM refuses to step down despite protest

Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej defended himself and his administration on Sunday in the face of thousands of demonstrators camped outside Government House calling for his resignation.

In his first public comments since Friday's march on the seat of government by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the 73-year-old Samak, who was elected in December, left no doubts about his desire to remain in office.

Right-winger

"The way I got into power was legal and my government is in line with the law," the firebrand right-winger said in a weekly television address.

Despite his determination, he said he would not send in either the police or army to dismantle the PAD stage outside Government House, a move that would trigger concern among investors in a country terrified of political violence.

"I'll be patient for our country and will see who can be more tolerant. I am confident that I can handle the situation. I will avoid a clash with the PAD. On Monday, I will work at Government House. There are other doors for me to enter," he said.

Samak, who won millions of rural votes on a pledge to revive the populist policies of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, triggered fears of another coup last month when he vowed to smash the four-week PAD campaign. He later backed off when the police and military made it clear they had no stomach for a fight.

"The protest will continue," PAD leader Pipob Thongchai said.