Thailand opposition pacer declare boycott of general election

Thailand opposition pacer declare boycott of general election

Thailand's opposition parties have decided to boycott an April 2 general election because Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra declined to commit himself to a program of political reforms, opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Monday.

The announcement by the Democrat Party chief, with colleagues from the Chart Thai and Mahachon parties by his side, came after Thaksin agreed to discuss reforms with political party leaders, but not to commit to their proposals, which would have seen him step down from office until the new election.

"All political parties have made their decision for the best benefit of the country," said Abhisit, reports the AP.

D.M.