POST REPORTERS
Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag tendered his resignation letter yesterday _ a move which could accelerate the fall of the government.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej plans to go on national radio at 7.30am today to talk about the political situation, according to a reliable source.
Diplomatic sources said Mr Tej quit because he was upset with the political events of the past several days, during which a state of emergency was declared in Bangkok after a bloody clash between supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and members of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) early Tuesday morning.
One person, confirmed to be a UDD supporter, was killed.A highly-placed source at the ministry, however, said Mr Tej resigned because he needed time to nurse his ailing wife.
The resignation letter was submitted to Mr Samak through Deputy Prime Minister Sahas Bunditkul.
The source said Mr Samak has put the resignation on hold, but Mr Tej will not be going to work. Mr Tej could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Tej: Said to be upset
with government
The diplomatic sources said whatever the reason for Mr Tej's resignation, his departure would certainly plunge the beleaguered Samak government into further turmoil.
Mr Tej, a respected bureaucrat and adviser to His Majesty's principal private secretary, gave the government's image a lift when he agreed to become foreign minister on July 27.The sources said it was agreed Mr Tej was one of the government's last strands of credibility and his resignation may be construed by anti-government members as an inspiration to intensify acts of civil disobedience.
Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan expressed concern over Mr Tej's resignation.
''I am also concerned that it will affect Thailand's role as Asean chairman. I hope a clear political picture emerges soon,'' he said in a written comment.
''Either a new foreign minister is appointed soon or an assignment is given to a deputy PM to take full charge of foreign affairs.''
Former deputy foreign minister Sukhumband Paribatra, who is now the Democrat party's shadow foreign minister, said it was possible Mr Tej had grown weary of answering questions from the foreign press about the unrelenting political crisis in Thailand.
''It doesn't look good for the government that a figure of such stature has called it quits,'' he said.
Mr Sukhumband said Mr Samak must find a replacement for Mr Tej within 24 hours, someone who can work straight away, because there are many regional meetings coming up, including the 14th Asean summit in December. Mr Tej resigned the day after his secretary Poksak Nilubol handed in his resignation.
''I resigned because I cannot work under a government leadership which assumes no responsibility for what's going on in the country,'' said Mr Poksak.
A number of MPs from the ruling People Power party agreed that without Mr Tej the government would have little chance to cling on to power.
Sakda Kongpetch, a Roi Et MP, said Mr Tej's exit would be a catalyst for a House dissolution. Mr Samak is not likely to survive the political onslaught.
Despite the imposition of the state of emergency, the government had failed to regain access to Government House, which remains occupied by PAD protesters.
He predicted that with the passage of the Budget Bill, expected today, the opportunity had arisen for a House dissolution, even though no MP wants fresh elections right now.
PPP deputy leader Karn Thienkaew said although the government could function under the circumstances, the situation could spin out of control and that would make a House dissolution necessary. But it was up to the prime minister to decide the course of action.
Panya Sripanya, PPP MP for Khon Kaen, however, said a House dissolution is not likely because it is an option not favoured by either the PAD or other government opponents. However, internal pressure within the PPP could build for Mr Samak to be replaced.
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