Puea Thai chief discourages talks b/w privy councilor and ex-PM

BANGKOK, 23 December 2009 (NNT) – Opposition Puea Thai Chairperson General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has agreed with Privy Councilor General Surayud Chulanont who refuses to mediate talks with ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Prior to his departure for China, General Chavalit said the matter would affect the privy councilor post of General Surayud if he was involved in negotiations with the former premier. The Opposition party chief deemed it appropriate for General Surayud to deny such offers.

Earlier, the privy councilor said the media misinterpreted his interview that he would play the mediator role.

General Surayud was appointed the prime minister of Thailand after Mr Thaksin was ousted by the 2006 coup d’état led by former Army Commander-in-Chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the Democrat-led government in office, the chairperson urged the government to urgently solve political conflicts and economic problems.