Thai government supporters hold a rally to protest against Thai Constitution Court's order to dissolve the three ruling parties, in front of the Bangkok Intermediate Administrative Court in Bangkok Dec. 2, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BANGKOK, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Election Commission (EC) chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said Wednesday that the reelection date will be on December 11 after the Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to dissolve the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Matchima Thipataya Party and Chart Thai Party parties on electoral fraud charges.

    Apichart said the reelection will take place in 26 constituencies in 22 provinces after the court banned all executives from the three disbanded parties, many of whom were members of parliament, from electoral process for five years as punishment in line with the 2007 Constitution.

    Somchai Wongsawat, as PPP acting leader, lost his job as prime minister and MP immediately as the dissolution verdict was handed down.

    The EC will ask the caretaker cabinet to consider issuing a royal decree on December 9 to hold the reelection at the latest, Apichart said.     

Thai court dissolves ruling party 

   BANGKOK, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled the three ruling parties in the coalition government-- People Power Party (PPP), Chart Thai Party and Matchima Thipataya Party were guilty of electoral fraud charges and ordered them to be dissolved. Full story

Thai PM says to accept court ruling 

    BANGKOK, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled the three ruling parties in the coalition government-- People Power Party (PPP), Chart Thai Party and Matchima Thipataya Party were guilty of electoral fraud charges and ordered them to be dissolved. Full story

Pro-gov't demonstrators hold rally at Thai Supreme Administrative Court

    BANGKOK, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of pro-government demonstrators Tuesday arrived and held rally at the Supreme Administrative Court, in an attempt to block judges from chairing over the last session of the party-dissolution case against the People Power Party and two other parties. Full story

Thai anti-gov't group announces to end rallies Wednesday

    BANGKOK, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of Thailand's anti-government group People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) announced on Tuesday evening that it will end its mass rallies after the government collapsed upon a court ruling that disbanded the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Full story