Thailand will hold a general election in the first half of this year if there is no resurgence of political violence, said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on February 9.
The Thai government would not complete its term until the end of 2011 but would organise elections in the first half of this year if it resolves three issues including a strong economy, constitutional amendments and elections that must be held in peaceful conditions, he said.
He had previously said that the elections could take place early in 2011 if the security situation had improved.
Mass protests against the government in April and May last year by the "Red Shirt" movement, left 90 people dead in street clashes between demonstrators and the army.
At the height of the crisis, the Thai PM proposed holding a poll in November 2010, to resolve the standoff, but he shelved the plan because the demonstrators refused to disperse until the army moved in.
(VNA/VOVNews)
