Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthop Thuagsuban says general elections will be held before June. Mr. Suthop confirmed a promise made by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last week that elections will be held in the first half of this year, as long as there was no violence. Mr. Abhisit is required to call a vote before his term expires in December. Anti-government Red Shirt protesters had occupied Bangkok for two months last year, demanding the Prime Minister's resignation. The demonstrations ended in violence when the protesters clashed with government forces, leaving more than 90 people dead.