The Thai King on December 9 approved the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the holding of the next general election on February 2, 2014. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej  The approval came following the announcement by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra the same day to dissolve the House in an effort to defuse the prolonged political tension. However, protestors said they will only stop the rallies once a “people’s council” is established. The police said an estimated 160,000 protestors gathered to besiege the Government House on December 9. Meanwhile, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban affirmed their purpose was not only to dissolve the House but to force Yingluck resign and establish a people’s council for political reforms before a new government is formed. At the same time, Thai army announced that the country’s political situation will be better and reaffirmedthe army’s stance to protect all the people, keeping the peace and order of the country. VNA