Offer to set up independent panel to resolve situation is rejected by the opposition
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra last night claimed victory despite Sunday's snap election shrinking his mandate and plunging the kingdom into an electoral quagmire.
Mr Thaksin insisted he wanted to work for reconciliation after declaring on national television that his Thai Rak Thai Party won 57 per cent of votes in the election, a referendum on his rule that was boycotted by the opposition.
But his offer to create a nine-man, independent committee to resolve the political impasse and vow to accept any decision it might render - including a demand for his resignation - was rejected by opposition Democrats.
'If I was not prime minister, would the country really be better off?' Mr Thaksin asked during the interview in an attempt to justify his continued rule.
'Can you please tell me how I can explain to my 16 million supporters that my resignation will do good for the country?'
