Bangkok, Dec 13 – Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has invited all sectors of society and political parties to a meeting on Dec 15, to seek a solution to the current political turmoil, and for national reform.
“The government will be open-minded and listen to opinions to seek the best solution for the country,” she said in her televised announcement here today.
She said the permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Tongthong Chantharangsu would facilitate the meeting at the Queen Sirikit National Centre at 9am on Dec 15.
Meanwhile, the anti-government group led by Suthep Thuegsuban, the leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), continued to insist on a caretaker government without the current administration.
Thousands of anti-government protesters still remained around the Government House, thus keeping Yingluck away from her office since the protesters shifted their rally site from the Government Complex Centre and finance ministry on Dec 9.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul told Asean diplomats today, that Suthep had stepped up his demands in the past few days.
He said Suthep called on all government officials to report to the People’s Democratic Reform Committee, and ordered the police to charge the prime minister and cabinet ministers for insurrection.
“Suthep had also ordered the police to return to post and the military to deploy and safeguard government premises,” said Surapong who described the order as unrealistic, unconstitutional and anti-democratic.
In a 15-minute briefing to the diplomats, he said Yingluck’s caretaker government which was legitimate, would ensure that the Feb 2 elections would be free and fair.
At the meeting, Malaysia was represented by its ambassador, Datuk Nazirah Hussain and Myanmar by its ambassador, U Tin Win while the rest of the Asean embassies were represented by officials.
Surapong assured that Thailand’s cooperation with other Asean member countries would not be affected by the political crisis.
– Bernama
