Thai PM's meeting with Privy Council President seen as reconciliation move

BANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday led her three deputies to meet with Privy Council President and Stateman General Prem Tin-su-la-nonda to ask for the latter's blessing on the occasion of the traditional Thai New Year or Songkran Festival 2012, but was viewed by political observers as an effort to achieve national reconciliation. Those who accompanied Premier Yingluck included Deputy Prime Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapa, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong. After the about hour-an-half meeting, Premier Yingluck and her deputies left the Privy Council President’s residence in Bangkok's Si Sao Deves area without giving any interview. General Prem, who is also a most respected former Thai prime minister, has been regarded by red-shirt people, aligned with exiled ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as a key supporter of their political opponents. (TNA)