No comment in response to Thaksin’s bid for ‘reconciliation’ talks

BANGKOK, Dec 12 (TNA) — Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Saturday offered no comment on talks proposed by fugitive, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which the ex-premier said was designed to bringing reconciliation among the country’s people, following the bloodless coup which deposed him more than three years ago.

Mr Thaksin, whose government was toppled by bloodless coup d’etat in September 2006, proposed the talks with Mr. Abhisit and his government during his video phone-link to the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship rally in Bangkok on Thursday to mark Thailand’s Constitution Day.

Regarding a plan by the opposition Puea Thai Party to submit a no-confidence motion against the government, Mr. Abhisit said it is impossible because the House of Representatives is still in recess while the opposition party has not appointed an MP to lead its party in the House.

Meanwhile, Mr. Thaksin said on his Twitter page that he would like permission to visit and exchange views with three leaders in Asia for seven or eight days, but gave no further details.

Mr Thaksin fled the country before Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to a two-year jail term for malfeasance in the controversial Bangkok Ratchadapisek land purchase case.

The toppled Thai premier now spends most of his time in the United Arab Emirates after his status as a visitor was rejected by a number of countries including both the United Kingdom and Germany. (TNA)