Thai PM seeks political solution through public forums

BANGKOK, December 3 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has assigned Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana and Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri to organize public forums aimed at brainstorming ideas from all sectors of the society for a solution to the domestic political deadlock. Government Spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi told a press conference of the development on Tuesday, after the Cabinet's weekly meeting at the Thai Army Club in Bangkok, saying that Premier Yingluck emphasized on peaceful talks by all concerned parties to jointly find a solution to the ongoing domestic political strife. Teerat revealed that the prime Minister also assigned authorities concerned, namely the public health minister and the social development and human security minister, to visit people injured from recent clashes during political rallies, while affirming that the government will take care of all Thai people equally. According to the spokesman, the prime minister also explained the reason why she has changed the head of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), from Deputy Prime Minister Police General Pracha Promnog to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, acknowledging that the dissemination of information to the international community is considered important. The prime minister, however, refused to respond to journalists' questions regarding a group of anti-government protesters reached and even entered the Government House earlier in the day, stating that the CAPO is tasked to inform the public of the updated situation. The Thai premier was reportedly relieving by the updated situation and then left for the First Infantry Regiment (King’s Guards) to take a helicopter, along with Thai armed forces chiefs, to attend a rehearsal of the upcoming mass public audience granted by His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej and an allegiance oath-taking ceremony by King’s Guards and armed forces officers at Klai Kangwon Palace in seaside Hua Hin District of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in the Upper Thai South on December 5, His Majesty the King's 86th birthday.(TNA)