BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday he will continue to perform his duty despite recent telephone and SMS mobile phone messages threatening his life.
Speaking to journalists while helping a Democrat Party candidate contesting a by-election in Thon Buri, Mr. Abhisit said he was not careless and would continue to carry out his duties after receiving the messages.
By-elections will be held in 26 constituencies of 22 provinces next Sunday after three political parties, including the former ruling People Power Party, were dissolved by the Constitution Court on charges of fraud in the general election held in December 2007. A total of 29 members of parliament will be elected in the by-elections to replace those disqualified from the three parties.
Amid tight security provided by police officers, both in uniform and plainclothes, Mr. Abhisit, whose government came to power December 14, said he believed those who sent the threatening messages were probably "too emotional" and that the messages could be "exaggerated."
He said intelligence gathered by security officials found that some anti-government protesters loyal to the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) prepared to hurt him with dangerous acid and weapons on the day he presented his government policy statement to Parliament last week.
"I've no right to be afraid because I volunteered myself to work (for the nation). The country must move forward. However, while I'm not reckless, concerned officials will decide about providing security measures," Mr. Abhisit said.
Asked what he thought when several fortune tellers had predicted that his coalition government would not last long, Mr. Abhisit said it is difficult to predict the future under a democratic process but he would try to work for the utmost benefit of the country as long as he works.
Within the next two or three months of works by his new government, Mr. Abhisit added, both Thais and the international community would gain more confidence in Thailand.
