Thai armed forces chief urge concerned parties to hold talks

BANGKOK, January 18 (TNA) - Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimaprakorn has urged all parties involving in Thailand's ongoing political strife to hold talks to end domestic political protests, especially in Bangkok, which have last over three months. Admitting that he is worried over the domestic political situation, General Thanasak shared his opinions on Saturday that he considers the only way to resolve the problem is all concerned parties hold a dialogue. General Thanasak suggested that a neutral party acceptable to both the anti-government and the pro-government sides arrange such talks, aimed at ridding the domestic political problem. The armed forces chief insisted that the Thai military cannot act as a middleman. Asked whether it is possible for the military to help explore ways in ending ongoing domestic political turbulence, namely appointing him as a prime minister, the supreme commander stressed that he personally does not want to be, affirming that relations between the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra remain sound. (TNA)