Thailand’s prime minister Samak Sundaravej today refused to bow to demands of anti-government protesters who vowed to besiege his office until he resigned.

OUSTED Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made an emotional return from exile yesterday, preaching reconciliation and forgiveness in a country still polarised by his five years in elected office.

Eighteen months ago, tycoon-turned-politician Thaksin Shinawatra won a landslide election victory and became a rising star on the regional stage. Today, he is out of a job after a coup d’etat and considering life in exile.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced today he has dissolved parliament, a move that will lead to new national elections within two months.