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Thailand has been thrown into a period of political uncertainty after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra agreed to dissolve parliament and call an election after sustained protests in Bangkok.
The move followed the resignation of all opposition MPs from parliament on Sunday and a planned march on Government House today.
No date was given for the polls but Yingluck said they would be held “as soon as possible.”
“The government does not want any loss of life,” she said.
“At this stage, when there are many people opposed to the government from many groups, the best way is to give back the power to the Thai people and hold an election,” Yingluck said. “So the Thai people will decide.”
Anti-government protesters, who have been calling for her government to be replaced with an unelected “People’s Council”, say the rallies will continue, the BBC reported.
Political demonstrations have taken place in parts of the Thai capital and elsewhere in the country since the start of last month.
“Some of these were violent and resulted in casualties. Further protests may take place with little warning,” the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.