Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved parliament on Monday (December 9), and called for snap elections.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) THAI PRIME MINISTER YINGLUCK SHINAWATRA SAYING:<br/> <br />"Now that there is dissolution of the house -- the prime minister and the entire team are willing to step down from our positions under article 180(2)."<br/> <br />Tens of thousands of protesters have been on the streets for three weeks, calling for her resignation.<br/> <br />Last week police defended key government buildings from protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets. But calm was restored for the king's birthday.<br/> <br />Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has said he is not interested in a general election. Instead he wants a vaguely defined "people's council" to run the country.<br/> <br />The government has not used excessive force against the protesters but clashes have erupted in which five people have been killed and many more injured.
