PM to propose reconciliation plan, possible shorter timeframe for House dissolution

BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva told the Japanese press Sunday he will propose a reconciliation plan to resolve the political turmoil in which the timeframe for House dissolution may be reduced to less than nine months.

Mr Abhisit was interviewed by Japanese media including NHK, Kyodo, Asahi, Yomiuri Shimbun and Jiji Press in Bangkok Sunday. He said he would propose a reconciliation plan in the next few days.The timeframe for House dissolution in his reconciliation plan may be cut to less than nine months.

Nine months is the original timeframe he earlier proposed during talks in March with top Red Shirt leaders in an attempt to find a solution for the political crisis, but it is far from what the Red Shirts are seeking and two rounds of talks between two sides failed to end the conflict.

The Red Shirts have encamped at Ratchaprasong, a high-end commercial area since April 3, demanding that the prime minister dissolve the House and call a snap election.

“We believe we can do that (easing the political upheaval) by doing two things simultaneously. First, there is a political solution of some kind of a road map to achieve reconciliation….and secondly is that we have to make sure that the law is upheld, ” he said in the interview on Sunday.

Mr Abhisit said his government has not ignored resolving the conflicts. He did not order dispersal of the protest at Ratchaprasong as innocent people are at the rally site and could be hurt in the process.

He said the latest situation did not warrant a declaration of martial law, but Mr Abhisit went on to say he would help investors — including Japanese investors — who have been affected by the protest.

Asked about the cause of death of a Japanese national who was a television cameraman for the Reuters news agency, he said an investigation is needed and it is under way. He said he did not personally know where the bullet came from.

The Thai prime minister also rejected a proposal for a foreign mediator, saying the ongoing problem is a Thai domestic issue.

Asked about investigation regarding anti-monarchy cases, he said there is evidence of the movement insulting the monarchy and giving false information to the public. More evidence is needed to handle this problem.

Regarding the Democrat Party disbandment case, forwarded to the Constitutional Court by the Election Commission, he asserted that the party’s legal affairs specialists are preparing to contest the charges in court. (TNA)