Thai Leader Says He May Temporarily Step Down

Thaksin Shinawatra said today that he would consider temporarily stepping down as Thailand’s prime minister, amid mounting protests in the capital over corruption allegations.

Thaksin did not elaborate on when, and for how long, he might step down.

He made his comments in northeastern Thailand while campaigning for snap elections he called for April 2 in hope of refreshing his mandate and deflating the country’s growing anti-government movement.

When asked by a reporter whether he would be taking a break from the prime minister’s position, he said, “It is a good proposal, and I am considering this.”

“This does not mean that I would bow to mob rule. I have to take some time to consider and decide what to do, because I have a duty to complete my mission,” he told reporters during a campaign tour in the northeastern province of Buriram.

The prime minister still enjoys solid support from the rural Thai majority, despite the growing protests led by the urban elite in Bangkok.

Critics accuse the tycoon-turned-politician of corruption, mishandling a Muslim insurgency in the south, stifling the media and allowing cronies to gain from state policies.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered Tuesday near Thaksin’s office in Bangkok and camped overnight, vowing to stay until he resigns, in the latest of several mass demonstrations. The demonstrators suspended their vigil early today with plans to reconvene in the evening.