Thai leader hands Premier's duties to deputy

Outgoing Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra today said he had handed over his responsibilities to a deputy, Chitchai Wannasathit, following months of protests by critics who accused Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power.

Thaksin told crowds of supporters outside his Thai Rak Thai party headquarters that he “will let Chitchai be acting prime minister”.

The move came a day after Thaksin’s surprise announcement he would step down from his office, after two months of strident anti-government rallies.