Jakrapob quits

Jakrapob apologised to his supporters while announcing his decision to step down at a press conference at Government House.

"I want my supporters to know that my resignation is not a weakness or a retreat but a political step to save the majority,'' he said.

More than 20 members of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship gathered in a show of support at the Naree Samosorn Building as Jakrapob declared his resignation before a throng of local and foreign reporters.

Jakrapob denied committing lese majeste, saying he had explained his innocence and that he had no intention of slighting the monarchy in the speech he made at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on August 29 last year, ten months before he was royally endorsed as a minister.

"I will keep on fighting. I want not only justice for myself but also to set a norm so that society sees less wrongdoing, destruction and evil,'' he said.

He said Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej had faced heavy pressure over the past three days after reports of a possible coup were released in a bid to undermine the government both inside and outside the House, so he decided to diffuse the tension and pressure on the PM by quitting.

"A plan was mapped out by outsiders for players to play the game. I am the victim because I am linked to the highest institution. I have taken the decision that I need to … so that democracy can win in the end,'' he said.

Jakrapob also denied reports he had played games himself by creating conflict between powerful figures in the government for his own survival. "People in the government camp also have short vision by playing the games of the rival camp. Since this controversy had no logic but became a power game, I have decided to quit in order to keep the big ship from sinking,'' he said.

Jakrapob's resignation will take effect early next week.

Jakrapob thanked Samak for being a gentleman in light of the controversy surrounding him, saying he respected the prime minister's political ideology and would follow in his footsteps.

Jakrapob denied that his decision to quit was because of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's suggestion that he take responsibility for his actions.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said Jakrapob's resignation could end the political pressure on the government and might lead to national reconciliation.

"We want peace and national reconciliation as our country has lost many opportunities since we politicise all matters and issues all the time. Let's think about the nation, not politics. Khun Jakrapob has shown his spirit to keep the peace and bring about reconciliation," he said.

He has full rights to defend himself in the courts, Noppadon said.