Thai PM presides over political reform talks

BANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) - Thailand’s Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday presided over political reform talks, sponsored by her government and being held at the Government House, aimed at exploring ways to end an ongoing sharp social divisiveness which has been prevailing in Thailand almost seven years. More than 70 representatives from almost every sector attended the forum, except the major opposition Democrat Party and the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) group. Thanking those attending the forum, Miss Yingluck said while officially opening the forum that the talks would allow the participants to share experiences in order to find the way out for the country. However, she said, the forum was not complete because of the absence of representatives from the Democrat Party and the PAD. She added that the forum would welcome them any time they wish to participate. There is no limit in expressing opinions during the political reform talks while the government will act as “coordinator only”, said Miss Yingluck. Everybody should look forward with the goal of how to make the country marches in future under the democratic system with the King as the national leader. She noted. Retired Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, leader of Matubhumi political party, proposed for an establishment of a political task force and asked for reconciliation. “If we love our country, why can’t we forgive each other,” asked Gen. Sonthi, a former army chief. Meanwhile, Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, reiterated that his party members would not change their stance because the party believes “conflicts must be solved first” and the people must be allowed to express their opinions. Mr. Abhisit again said he would not quit from his MP status because he could prevent the government from wrongdoings in the Lower House. (TNA)