BANGKOK, May 30 (UPI) -- Thailand will hold a general election on Oct. 15 in a re-run of the April vote that was declared unlawful, Cabinet officials said Tuesday.
The date was chosen to give politicians 90 days in which to change parties, if they wish, and campaign for the election in accordance with the constitution, The Australian reported.
The new date follows a snap election called by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on April 2, later ruled unconstitutional. Thaksin had called the election to put an end to street protests accusing him of corruption and abuse of power.
Opponents boycotted the election and voters were unable to select a full parliament.
Thaksin left his post after the April election, but with the legislature unable to meet and elect a new prime minister, he returned last week.
Tuesday, Thaksin filed a criminal defamation lawsuit against a newspaper run by the man who started the street campaign against him, The Australian reported.
Thaksin's lawyer said he planned similar actions against other opponents.
