BANGKOK: Thailand plans to hold a referendum to bring an end to the ongoing political stalemate after neither side has shown signs of backing down.

The referendum could take place early next month, if the House of Representatives and the Senate can quickly endorse a bill to organise the vote.

It will be up to the Thai people to decide how the Kingdom's prolonged political stalemate will end.

In a special cabinet meeting, ministers approved a national vote of confidence, though many details still need to be worked out.

Every Thai will have the opportunity to vote "yes" or "no" as to whether or not they think Mr Samak's government should continue in office.

But it is unclear whether this will heal the underlying political divisions that still persist in Thailand, with the rural poor mostly siding with Mr Samak and his People's Power Party (PPP) and the middle classes with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Earlier, Mr Samak, seen as becoming increasingly politically isolated, bucked expectations he would step down from office.

Rumours were rife that the embattled prime minister would exit the scene, after the resignation of Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag and the neutrality of the Army Commander in Chief.

"How can I resign? It's not about me alone. This time, I don't want anything, but our country now needs the rule of law," said Mr Samak.

However, the administration's plans for a referendum are unlikely to change the stance of the anti-government leaders.

Protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul, said: "He literally is a master of deception and he lies about everything. He lies about all the points that we have been protesting about and everybody knows about it."

The PAD wants appointed leaders from the traditional ruling elite in government, which would take power away from elected representatives.

Professor Chalidaporn Songsampan from the Political Science Department, Thammasat University, said: "I don't think the PAD realises that many people must be included in the political process.

"We have to think about the way to restructure the whole political system, not just perfecting this representative democracy." - CNA/vm