Caretaker Thai PM calls for talks for political solution

BANGKOK, December 18 (TNA) - Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says she still hopes to discuss a national political solution with anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban. In response to protesters' rally at her private residence, Yingluck, who is in the Thai Northeast, told journalists in Si Sa Ket Province on Wednesday that she would like to see peaceful and legal demonstrations, proposing that the protesters discuss a national political solution at forums many parties organize, including her caretaker government, because their demonstrations have started having negative impacts on confidence in the Thai economy. Yingluck stressed that the government is ready to take any action for the sake of national progress, but it must comply with the Constitution. Yingluck acknowledged although the chance for holding talks with Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), who is a former Thai deputy prime minister of the Democrat Party, is one per cent and the talks will take times, it is the best way, while opinions of all sectors and people must be heard as well. The caretaker prime minister insisted on maintaining national order and working out a solution to the ongoing political strife. In response to appointed senators’ proposal to exercise Section 187 of the Constitution to postpone the new general election pending a national reform, the caretaker prime minister said the legal aspect of the issue had been discussed, as it was new and participants in national reform forums should discuss the best solution. Asked if the new general election will happen on February 2, 2014, as scheduled, the caretaker prime minister explained that the government is duty-bound to throw support for a smooth election and she would like the Democrat Party to cooperate and to adhere to the Constitution and laws. Many villagers, including pro-government red-shirt demonstrators, meanwhile, welcomed the caretaker prime minister in Si Sa Ket, but some people blew whistles to protest against her government. There was not any violent incident.(TNA)