Critics dismiss Thai referendum

Source: BBC

A national referendum proposed by Thai PM Samak Sundaravej has been dismissed by critics as a stalling tactic. Mr Samak announced the plan on Thursday, in an effort to defuse the ongoing political crisis.

Anti-government protesters have now been occupying Mr Samak's official headquarters for 11 days, and have vowed not to leave until he resigns.

Culture Minister Somsak Kietsuranond said the referendum would ask a range of questions including whether the government should resign, whether it should dissolve parliament and what people thought about the ongoing protests.

But protesters have ridiculed the plan and have vowed to continue their sit-in at Government House. "The referendum is an attempt by Mr Samak to buy himself some more time in the office," Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the protest leaders, told The Associated Press.

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