Thailand heads for new elections after protests

Bangkok, Thailand (JakartaForum-CNN) -- Thailand's King Bhumibol is dissolving parliament, with new elections due on July 3, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said Monday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will address the nation Monday about steps toward dissolving parliament.

He requested the dissolution of parliament on Friday.

He resisted street demonstrations a year ago demanding that he step down, with clashes between his supporters and those of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sometimes turning violent.

The prime minister sent in government troops to quell long-running protests in the Thai capital last May. Ninety-one people died and hundreds were injured in the street battles that followed.