Thai PM calls for talks with protesters with military as mediator

BANGKOK, January 10 (TNA) - Embattled Thai Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has called for dialogue with protesters of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), led by former Democrat member of parliament Suthep Thaugsuban, to end the ongoing political turmoil. Yingluck told reporters on Friday that her government is ready for talk with the protesters and the military could be a mediator in the talks. “All factions must sit down and talk, otherwise nothing can move forward,” she said. Yinguck also reiterated that a national reform must be done in parallel with a general election, rejecting the call by the PDRC for a national form before a poll. Yingluck said a national reform is essential but the reform process would take years so the country should carry out next general election first. “Without parliament, the country’s administration is impossible,” she said. The caretaker prime minister also refused to step down, as demanded by the PDRC, saying that she is obliged to stay in power. She said she could be prosecuted for negligence of duty if she followed the protesters’ demand. Touching on the PDRC’s plan to paralyze Bangkok from next Monday, Yingluck said her government would deploy 8,000 soldiers and 10,000 police officers to maintain order and assured the public that they should be able to continue their living as normal. (TNA)