Former PM Surayud denies offering to mediate with Thaksin

BANGKOK, Dec 22 (TNA) – Thailand’s former Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Tuesday denied news reports that he has offered to mediate between the Democrat-led coalition government and the convicted fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra to end the nation’s three-plus years of political conflict, citing media misinterpretation.

Gen Surayud said that he invited military beat reporters to join his mission in the central province of Phitsanulok and then had some informal discussions with them.

The former premier said reporter Wassana Nanuam had asked whether he would be willing to talk to Mr Thaksin if the convicted premier telephones him.

Gen Surayud said he simply told the reporter that he would, as in the past he had talked with Mr Thaksin several times.

“My answer does not mean that I want to be a mediator in any future talks [between Mr Thaksin and the government],” the former prime minister said, adding that his message was misinterpreted by the media.

Gen Surayud also stated that as a privy councillor, he has no duty or authority to mediate any talks on reconciliation, but the government does.

Media coverage on Gen Surayd’s offer as mediator sparked criticism among many parties. The Abhisit Vejjajiva government rejected the offer, citing that no talk will be held if Mr Thaksin sets conditions before entering the talks.

Gen Surayud, a former army and supreme commander, was appointed as a privy councillor to His Majesty King Bhumibol after his retirement from the army. He was later appointed as prime minister of Thailand after the bloodless coup on 19 September 2006 which ousted Mr Thaksin.

The nation’s former top soldier was reappointed as privy councillor again after ending his premiership and a general election was called. (TNA)