Thailand elections proposed for 2 February

Thailand's government has proposed new elections be held on 2 February, hours after the prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved the lower house of parliament in an attempt to calm the country's deepening political crisis.

Thailand's election commission must formally approve the date, and electoral officials will meet with the government in the next few days to discuss it.

"At this stage, when there are many people opposed to the government from many groups, the best way is to give back the power to the Thai people and hold an election. So the Thai people will decide," Yingluck said in a televised address as thousands of protesters resumed demonstrations across Bangkok.

The leader of the anti-government movement, Suthep Thaugsuban, said he would not end his demonstrations and would continue a march to Yingluck's offices at Government House.

"Today, we will continue our march to Government House. We have not yet reached our goal. The dissolving