Thailand’s prime minister to step down

THAILAND’S embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said he would step down from office, bowing to a mounting opposition campaign seeking his ousting over allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

His announcement came after a meeting with Thailand’s revered monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej at his southern seaside palace.

“I am sorry that I will not accept the premier post,” Mr Thaksin said in a televised speech.