POST REPORTERS
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is adamant he will not resign. In a radio broadcast yesterday morning, Mr Samak dismissed speculation he was about to quit and said he would stay on to protect democracy.
Listening to his broadcast, some protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) wept in disappointment.
''There was a rumour that I would resign. I am insisting here that I am not going to step down. The world is watching us,'' he said.
Mr Samak's broadcast came amid speculation that he would quit in the wake of Tej Bunnag's resignation as foreign affairs minister.
The prime minister said he was aware of such speculation.
''I am sorry I have disappointed those who think I will announce my resignation here. No, I won't,'' he said.
The prime minister criticised the PAD for taking over Government House, forcing him and his cabinet to work elsewhere.
''People with no right to be there have seized Government House. I feel so sorry that I want to cry. They insist the rally is lawful. I keep wondering how that could be,'' he said.
Mr Samak appealed to the public not to join the PAD protest.
The prime minister criticised the PAD's proposed ''new politics'' and academics who agreed with the proposal.
He questioned if the PAD could push for its so-called new political order, saying the proposal could be realised only through constitutional amendments.
''People in parliament are the ones who are in charge of amending the charter. Can they instruct those people? They may dictate to some political parties, but they cannot order 233 people [People Power party MPs] who are there,'' said Mr Samak.
Core PAD members yesterday sneered at Mr Samak's broadcast.
Co-leader Sondhi Limthongkul said Mr Samak was being pushed into a corner and his radio speech was to seek public sympathy.
After listening to Mr Samak, he felt sure he was doing the right thing in seeking his ouster.
A source close to the People Power party's ''Gang of Four'', a reference to individuals including Mr Samak who are thought to be controlling the party, said Mr Samak is not resigning or dissolving the House because he wants to pass the 2009 Budget Bill and complete the annual reshuffle of state officials.
He also intends to see through the ''116 Days: From Mother's Day to Father's Day'' project and royal cremation of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana
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