Thai PM calls for peaceful resolution of political divide

Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today called for a "peaceful solution" to the bitter political divide in the country where violent protests have forced her to call for snap polls.
"The entire Thai people, regardless of political ideology or different beliefs, (should) turn toward each other to find a peaceful solution for our country," Yingluck said in a New Year message on her official Facebook page.
Yingluck pledged not to give up working for reconciliation.
Thailand has been rocked by anti-government protests calling for the ouster of Yingluck's government which they allege was being remote-controlled by her polarising brother Thaksin -- a billionaire former premier.

With a protester killed on Saturday, the toll has now risen to three in the latest bout of political violence.
The protesters have been demanding Yingluck's resignation since mid-October. The protests began after her government tried to introduce an amnesty bill that would have paved the way for the return of her brother, controversial former premier Thaksin currently in self-exile in Dubai.

A rattled Yingluck has called snap polls, scheduled for February 2, after weeks of protests. But the demonstrators have dismissed the election and the opposition has refused to field candidates.
Protesters have further rejected another offer by Yingluck to form a national reform council intended to run alongside her government.

Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has urged Election Commission officials in every province to listen to the people's demand for reform before the election.