Bangkok Red-Shirt Rally - Live Thursday

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Thursday May 6 Red-shirt rally live updates

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Thai ruling party meets to discuss crisis roadmap

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's ruling party meets Thursday to discuss a reconciliation roadmap, as anti-government "Red Shirts" demand a date for the dissolution of parliament before ending weeks of crippling protests.

The demonstrators, who have mounted mass rallies in Bangkok since mid-March, have signed up to embattled premier Abhisit Vejjajiva's plan to end the crisis which includes holding elections on November 14.

But after a long and bitter standoff, which has flared with clashes that have left 27 dead and hundreds injured, they remain suspicious and want more details before dispersing their camp in the capital's retail heartland.

Lawmakers from Abhisit's Democrat Party will hold talks at parliament at 8.30am (2330 GMT Wednesday), party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said Wednesday.

"They expect to discuss the reconciliation roadmap which could include a date for House dissolution," he said.

Top Red Shirts have voiced optimism that the end is in sight for their supporters at the encampment, which is fortified behind makeshift barricades made of piles of kerosene-soaked tyres, razor wire and bamboo stakes.

"I have a feeling that we will soon return to our hometown as our goal to fight for true democracy and return power to the people is about to be achieved," leader Veera Musikapong Veera told the crowd Wednesday.

Another Reds leader Kwanchai Praipana also said the rally -- which has forced luxury hotels and shopping malls to close and caused huge economic losses -- would disperse soon despite the outstanding demands.

"We are still waiting for a clear answer from the government on the dissolution date," Kwanchai said. "We still demand government to stop intimidating our people and stop censoring our media outlets.

"I as well as other leaders think it is likely that by Sunday everything will be resolved and we can go back home," he added. "We feel that we don't want to torment our people any longer as they have given us their whole heart."

Crowds at the vast Reds camp -- mostly rural poor from Thailand's impoverished north, or urban working class -- have swelled to as high as 100,000 in the past, but numbers have steadily fallen.

Most protesters remain resolute despite the mounting piles of garbage, and the start of the rainy season which has made life hard for those sleeping rough under flimsy shelters.

The Reds, mostly supporters of billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra who was unseated in a 2006 coup, have been campaigning for snap elections to unseat Abhisit's government.

They condemn the administration as illegitimate because it was appointed with the backing of the army in a 2008 parliamentary vote, after a court ruling ousted Thaksin's elected allies.

Abhisit said in a national address Monday that he was ready to hold elections on November 14 if all parties accepted his reconciliation plan and dropped their demand for immediate polls.

Sirichoke Sopa, a Democrats lawmaker seen as close to the premier, accused the Reds of nit-picking by insisting on a dissolution date and said that security forces remained on standby to clear the rally by force if necessary.

He said the dissolution would fall between September 15-30, under laws that mandate a 45-60 day election campaign.

Thaksin, a telecoms tycoon-turned-politician who now lives overseas to avoid a jail term for corruption, had been rallying the Reds nightly by video addresses, but has now called on the two sides to settle their differences.

The Reds have said the government is intent on clinging to power until September to ensure the new army leadership line-up is appointed and the national budget is approved in parliament before it holds elections.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-06

Published with written approval from AFP.

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Reds to stay put, for now

By The Nation

Secret negotiations stall over amnesty for banned politicians; DAAD wants details of plan before ending protest

BANGKOK: -- The red shirts yesterday said they would continue their protest in the Rajprasong business area until they obtained all the details of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for national reconciliation.

They want this to include an amnesty from all charges and a clear stance on the road map from the ruling Democrat Party and its coalition partners.

"The government still poses a threat to us while the prime minister talks about reconciliation," said red leader Natthawut Saikua.

Reconciliation cannot happen in this tense atmosphere, he said.

"Even militants in the restive South have never been charged with terrorism. May I ask why the government charged nine red leaders as terrorists?" he asked. "Prime Minister Abhisit should take time to reconsider this matter."

The hope of seeing the red protest end on Coronation Day dissolved yesterday as both sides were unable to settle many differences in secret negotiations.

The red shirts wanted the government to map out details of the reconciliation plan and give a specific date for dissolution of Parliament.

Democrat MP Sirichoke Sopha yesterday said it was unnecessary to set the date for dissolution, as the November 14 poll day obviously meant the House would have to be dissolved between September 15 and 30, in accordance with the Constitution.

The charter stipulates an election must be held within 45-60 days of House dissolution. But the red shirts still want an official announcement, because they need time to wind down their protest.

Amnesty was also a key point, as the government will likely agree to grant amnesty for all political charges, including the five-year ban imposed on 111 politicians in 2007 and 109 politicians in 2008. However, it disagreed with the idea of overlooking criminal charges, including terrorism and lese majeste, a source close to the negotiation said.

The red-shirt leaders earlier said in public that they did not need amnesty for their criminal charges but wanted equal treatment with others in the government and the rival yellow shirts.

Coalition parties in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday evening backed the idea of an amnesty, as many of their key leaders have been banned from politics.

Another leader, weng Tojirakarn, said the red shirts also had a five-point plan for the government to follow. They are:

- Lift the state of emergency

- Send security forces back to their barracks

- End the propaganda against the protesters

- Let red media back on air and online

- End cooking up evidence for the charges against the protesters.

"Not only do the red shirts need to consider the government's road map, but the government also needs to consider our plan," Natthawut said.

The red shirts want the ruling Democrat Party to make the proposed road map clear to its members. Abhisit, as leader of the party, seems to have a difference of opinion with the party' chief adviser, Chuan Leekpai, who says he disagrees with Parliament's dissolution, Natthawut said.

The Democrat Party also may have some difficulties with the coalition parties over the constitutional amendments, as the ruling party does not want to rewrite the charter.

A large number of Democrat MPs from Bangkok and the South have been bombarded by angry calls from their constituents, protesting against the road map for reconciliation.

Sources in the main coalition party said the anger was due to a perceived U-turn to organise the fresh elections even though Prime Minister Abhisit had confirmed a snap poll would not take place before nine months.

"Several Democrat constituents are not happy about the hasty move to move the poll date forward," a party source said.

All 37 Democrat MPs from Bangkok have received angry phone calls regarding Abhisit's decision to bow to the red shirts' demand for dissolution of Parliament.

Many said they wanted to see the law upheld when dealing with the unruly crowds and that they saw no justification in organising the elections under pressure.

Party sources said the Democrats would listen to Abhisit explain himself today before deciding their next move.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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PM'S ROADMAP

US congressman backs Abhisit's roadmap

By Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega is seeking a resolution in Congress to encourage conflicting parties in Thailand to work with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivas five-point road map for national reconciliation, to end the political crisis.

The draft resolution, as seen by The Nation, says all parties in Thailand should renounce the use of violence and pledge to resolve the country’s political problems peacefully and democratically.

All parties concerned are encouraged to work assiduously to settle their differences on the basis of the five-point national reconciliation plan proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit, it says.

The road map, announced on Monday night, is designed uphold the institution of the monarchy, institute political reforms and eradicate injustice in the country.

The road map paves the way for an early election, which is set for November 14.

Violence during the red shirts’ weeks-long demonstration killed 27 people and injured some 1,000 others in incidents on April 10, 22 and 28.

The road map was conditionally welcomed by the red-shirts, but they said they needed more details before agreeing to break off their protest in the Rajprasong area, the heart of Bangkok’s business district.

Congressman Faleomavaega, from American Samoa, proposed the resolution and said the road map and the election would be the basis for an amicable end to the ongoing dispute.

“The resolution I am offering is meant to encourage that process, to demonstrate America’s commitment to Thailand and its people and to convey our sincere hope that Thailand returns to democracy, stability and the rule of law,” the congressman said in his introductory speech.

“Of course, only the Thai people can chart their way toward settlement of the conflict. As a close friend of Thailand, however, the United States should, I believe, offer its support and demonstrate its concern.”

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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NOV 14 ELECTION

'Polls set date' for House dissolution

By The Nation

Sirichoke

PM's road map most peaceful way to end stand-off, says Democrat MP

BANGKOK: -- Setting the general elections for November 14 obviously means that the House would have to be dissolved between September 15 and 30, but the red shirts still want an official announcement because they need time to wind down their protest, Democrat MP Sirichoke Sopha said yesterday.

"It's just that the red shirts need time to disperse," he said, explaining why protests were persisting despite the red shirts' acceptance of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for reconciliation.

Contrary to speculation, Abhisit offered the road map as a key to overcome the political predicament, not as a means to end the stand-off, Sirichoke said.

Abhisit opted for a peaceful resolution instead of using force because he wants to avoid the loss of life, especially since there is no foolproof way of separating "terrorists" from innocent people being used as human shields to protect the Rajprasong intersection rally site, he said.

According to the road map, six months should be sufficient to ease fractious politics and pave the way for fresh elections, he said.

The reconciliation process will include the possibility of granting amnesty to barred politicians involved in party dissolution cases and debates on this issue would factor in opinions from all sectors of society, he said.

The amnesty, if granted, will only cover political offences, not criminal and graft violations, he said.

For those who believe that the government is giving in to the red shirts, they should understand that fresh elections can only be held after the protesters are dispersed and steps to bring back peace and normalcy are completed, he said.

Under no circumstances will there be any negotiations to help criminal and terrorist suspects elude punishment, he said, confirming the government's unwavering stance.

Chart Thai Pattana Party adviser Somsak Prissanananthakul said it was frivolous and unjustified to keep arguing about the House dissolution date now that the election date has already been fixed.

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn said the next goal for the red shirts would be to help Pheu Thai Party win the next elections. On stage, weng declared that the red shirts would soon hear when the House would be dissolved.

However, he said he did not want the red shirts to see House dissolution as the solution to all political problems, adding that this was only the first step and that the red shirts still had many more missions to complete.

Weng also urged people to vote for the Pheu Thai Party so it has more than 300 elected MPs and can form the government. Once the party commands the majority in Parliament, it can fight against the opposition and bring back the 1997 Constitution, he said.

The red-shirt leader also added that they still had to wait and see if Pheu Thai would actually campaign to bring back the 1997 charter.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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PEACE PLAN

Abhisit urged to explain details of his road map

By The Nation

Suthep

Though the coalition and the opposition have voiced readiness for the November 14 elections, they are both calling on the government to spell out details related to the reconciliation process.

BANGKOK: -- During a working dinner on Tuesday night hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, coalition partners voiced their support for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s road map for reconciliation.

Also attending were Banharn Silapa-Archa of Chart Thai Pattana Party, Suwit Khunkitti of Social Action Party, Newin Chidchob and Somsak Thepsuthin of the Bhum Jai Thai Party as well as Pinit Charusombat of the Puea Pandin Party.

The coalition partners suggested that Abhisit convince certain Democrats, including chief adviser Chuan Leekpai, to rally behind the road map and urged him to push for charter amendments related to the electoral system to pave the way for a snap poll.

In their opinion, the revamped electoral system was key to ending the political animosity.

The opposition Pheu Thai Party, however, voiced reservations about the road map on grounds that it lacked details and a timetable to bring about reconciliation.

Opposition MP Sanguan Pongmanee said all Abhisit had done was set an election date, but was vague on his fence-mending measures. He said he was quite sceptical about the road map, especially since some Democrats were against the dissolution of Parliament.

The opposition lawmakers will today ask the PM to explain the tangible steps that will be taken to bring about reconciliation, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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BURNING ISSUE

PM overlooking trust issue in his road map

By Supalak Ganjanakhundee

BANGKOK: -- Reconciliation anywhere else in the world requires two key things: truth and trust. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivas five-point road map to end the political stalemate does include an element of truth but lacks any measures for building trust.

On the truth front, the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the bloodshed on April 10 at Khok Wua intersection, April 22 in Silom and April 28 in Don Muang is the right thing to do to bring wrongdoers to justice.

These incidents, in which 27 lives were lost and some 1,000 people injured, have left scars in Thai political history.

Therefore, finding the truth behind these deaths should help ease the pain. At least, history books could say why these people died and what they were fighting for.

However, there are several problems on the trust front. The government, especially the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, has created a lot of mistrust over the weeks-long demonstration.

At the beginning, the authorities and the mainstream media painted, or in some case smeared, the protesters as being an anti-monarchy movement that was using terrorism to topple the revered institution and turn Thailand into a republic.

A conspiracy theory was plotted to accuse a number of people, including academics and opposition politicians, of planning to bring down the monarchy. The emergency centre even released a flow chart linking people with the plot.

Many were charged with terrorism and lese majeste, with several others put on a watch list and summoned for questioning at the 11th Infantry Regiment since the state of emergency was announced.

Hundreds of people have already “reported” to the centre for reasons that, to this day, remain unclear. In fact, about 20 people report to the authorities daily.

Chulalongkorn University student Suluck Lamubol was one of the people summoned, and she still doesn’t know why she was summoned and what she is suspected to have done.

She is on the watch list just because she works for the Student Federation of Thailand (SFT) and had expressed sympathy for the red shirts.

Two other students, including SFT secretary-general Anuthee Dejthevaporn, were also summoned to the same inquiry session with her on Sunday.

“Basically the military said there was nothing to be afraid of because they just wanted our cooperation and ‘useful’ information that could bring ‘peace’ back to our country,” Suluck said in an e-mail to The Nation.

Suluck and the other people summoned, underwent three sessions in three different rooms, starting with a basic inquiry by the Department of Special Investigation and then a psychology operation where officials “felt like nice aunts telling me not to do drugs”.

In the last session, they were asked several questions such as whether they were familiar with ex-communist insurgent Surachai Danwattananusorn and if any of the red-shirt leaders were planning to overthrow the monarchy.

Indeed, officials at the emergency centre typically believe that the students are linked to certain people believed to have anti-monarchist sentiments.

However, Suluck was surprised to find her name attached to Surachai’s Red Siam group. “I was very puzzled by this because I’ve never been involved with this group,” she said.

Besides, even though the officials keep saying they needed to collect information, they have never clarified what they were planning to do with this data.

“All I can say is that it was boring and a waste of time, rather than being intimidating. I must say, the intelligence here is not very functional,” she said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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THE NATION: PM Abhisit confirmed Thursday that House will be dissolved any day between Sept 15 to 30.

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THE NATION: PAD's Paisal: "Even if there's no amnesty, this doesn't mean current charges won't be silently dropped."

THE NATION: The idea that there's some secret deals and collusion between PM and reds seems to be gaining ground among the PAD.

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MCOTEnglishnews: PM expects to dissolve House of Parliament between Sept 15-30; Chief Democrat advisor Chuan affirms no conflict within party

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@thai_news: United Kingdom revises and downgrades its travel advice for Thailand

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Dissolution date on September 15-30: PM

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday confirmed the dissolution of Parliament to take place between September 15 and September 30, paving way for the November 14 poll.

Abhisit said he did not mention the dissolution date as part of his road map for reconciliation because he thought the timing for dissolution was evident by the poll date.

Based on the election law, a snap election must take place within 45 to 60 days following the dissolution of Parliament.

In regard to speculation about the Democrat split on the road map, the prime minister said he had not come into conflict with his party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai.

The Democrats are scheduled today to debate the road map.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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Democrat Party Throws Support Behind PM Road Map

The Democrat Party has concluded to throw its support behind the peace road map, which has set Nov 14 as a date for a new round of elections and Sept 15-30 as a possible date for House dissolution, proposed by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva.

PM Abhisit said he did not 'negotiate' with the red-shirt protesters but merely had offered a road map for the core leaders to consider as a way out of the current political crisis. The Democrats also reiterated that if the red-shirts refused to disperse, the PM also has the rights not to call for House dissolution.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-06

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THE NATION: Thais in France calling for peace

THE NATION: PM's phone-in interview with ASTV this morning. Key points:

THE NATION: 1. No amnesty when it comes to terrorism charges and attempts to overthrow monarchy.

THE NATION: 2. No House dissolution if reds don't agree to road map.

THE NATION: 3. He (Abhisit) will meet multi-coloured leaders tomorrow.

THE NATION: 4. This not not "secret deal". This is "reconciliation" effort.

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THE NATION: And for the record - PM Abhisit confirmed today that House will be dissolved any day between Sept 15 to 30. via NNA

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ThaivisaNews: PM Abhisit has once again reiterated the time frame of Sep 15-30th of this year as a likely period for the dissolution of the House

MCOTEnglishnews: Red Shirt leaders agree to step toward easing political turmoil after Democrats support PM national reconciliation plan

BPbreakingnews: UDD to discuss rally ending date

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THE NATION: DSI says it will wait till May 15, the day red leaders vow to turn themselves in, to act on terrorism charges.

THE NATION: If red leaders surrender to police, terrorism charges could be added to the charges they already face, Tarid said.

THE NATION: If red leaders don't turn themselves in, "we have other measures in mind (regarding terrorism charges)," Tarid said.

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THE NATION: Red leaders: SOE centre, which still threatening a crackdown, is spoiling the peace atmosphere.

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THE NATION: Red leaders will meet again this late afternoon to discuss nxt move. Not sure if there will be any announcement.

THE NATION: Urgent: PAD comdemns Abhisit for giving "terrorists" leniency.

THE NATION: The no-holds-barred condemnation is read out on ASTV by suriyasai katasila.

THE NATION: PM should resign: PAD

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THE NATION: Recap: PAD condemns Abhisit, Time calls him statesman, Reds don't trust him, and Army, never eager to take action, now wants to move in.

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TAN Network: PAD says PM has failed to solve Thailand's political crisis and should resign

THE NATION: Now PAD is doing Reds' job of asking Abhisit to leave. Dear me.

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Democrats endorse PM's road map; red dispersal a must

By The Nation

The Democrat Party has endorsed the road map for reconciliation and set a condition that the fresh elections would hinge on the dispersal of red shirts, party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said on Thursday.

"The Democrat MPs have granted the prime minister a leeway not to call a snap election if the red shirts refused to end their protests," he said.

Buranaj said the Democrats rallied behind Abhisit Vejjajiva after hearing his explanation on the reconciliation process.

Abhisit told his fellow Democrats that the road map was a necessary option to avert violence which if erupted, would lead to the deepening of the social divisions, he said.

The prime minister also clarified that the legal proceedings on cases related to terrorism, criminal violations and anti-monarchy movement would be carried out to the fullest extent of the law, he added.

At the party's meeting, Democrat adviser Banyat Bantadtan urged the Democrats to focus their campaigning activities in the Northeast, seen as the opposition's stronghold, in order to test the resumption of normalcy.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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THE NATION: DSI to charge 9 core red-shirts leaders w/ terrorism,violating emergency decree

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No reconciliation with red terrorists: PAD

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The People's Alliance for Democracy on Thursday issued a statement condemning the prime minister for skirting around his job in order to work out a deal with the red shirts, seen as terrorists.

"The road map for reconciliation is, in fact, a shameful deal which will spawn the growth of terrorist and anti-monarchy activities nationwide," the PAD said in its statement.

PAD leaders, including Chamlong Srimuuang, Somsak Kosaisuk and Pipop Thongchai, were present in full force when their spokesman Suriyasai Katasila read out the statement.

Suriyasai also urged Abhisit Vejjajiva to reconsider and put his road map on hold. The only alternative was for Abhisit to step down in order to allow a more qualified leader to rein in the red shirts, he said.

The gist of the six-point statement is as the followings:

1. The PAD supports for the social reforms and the social welfare system but this should not be part of the reconciliation process. It is not an option to reconcile with individuals who the government has labelled as terrorists and anti-monarchists.

2. From the PAD's viewpoint, the November 14 poll, if allowed to happen, will result in the destruction of the rule of law. The elections will intensify the power struggle. The law enforcement officials will not do their job in prosecuting agitators. Should the agitators secure the election victory, they will succeed in forming the New Thai State.

3. The hasty move to hold fresh elections will likely undermine the opportunity to push for social and political reforms. The advance announcement of the poll date is a selfish decision made by the prime minister who wants to avert his crisis instead of solving the problems faced by the country.

4. The decision to hold fresh elections is indicative of a secret deal worked out between the government and the Thaksin Shinawatra regime. The deal might include a pledge to assist in easing Thaksin's legal predicament and pardoning his cohorts in exchange for his promise to quit politics for good.

5. The terrorist movement has not disbanded following the unveiling of the road map for reconciliation. This should be the reason for the prime minister to suspend the road map and ensure the strict law enforcement in order to restore normalcy.

6. The red shirts have shown their reckless disregard for human lives. The prime minister must enforce the law in order to bring culprits to justice, otherwise he should resign in order to make way for a new leader.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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CRES prevents arms smuggling out of Ratchaprasong

BANGKOK (NNT) .. The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has deployed security officers to set up checkpoints to prevent weapons being smuggled out from the rally site of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) at Ratchaprasong Intersection.

CRES and Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, stated that Ratchaprasong Intersection is now surrounded by security officers to prevent war weapons from being transported as the UDD has been accumulating arms seized from security officers and unknown armed forces.

The spokesperson added that CRES has been trying to inform UDD protestors not to attend the rally because the area is not safe. CRES is urging people to leave the area because Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has already announced to hold a fresh election on 14 November 2010.

Upon the reconciliation roadmap of the prime minister, Colonel Sansern stated that it does not mean that the CRES would not disperse the UDD crowd. However, if any actions were to be taken, it would most likely be after Coronation Day celebrations have ended.

The spokesperson claimed that the number of protestors at Ratchaprasong Intersection on Wednesday night was around 9,000 to 10,000 people, but the figure for Thursday morning was only at 5,000 people.

-- NNT 2010-05-06

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TAN Network: PAD sends Pipop Thongchai and Parnthep Pourpongpan as representatives to discuss road map with PM

TAN Network: PM to meet with representatives from multi-colored shirt group tomorrow

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Democrat Party might have erred in its dissolution case: Charnchai

The Democrat Party had no malicious intent when it might have violated the Bt29 million funds paid by the Election Commission to subsidise the party's campaign billboards in the last general election, party's MP Charchai Issasenarak said on Thursday.

"It is unbelievable that the oldest political party may be punished by dissolution because it unintionally made smaller-than-specified billboards which were, in fact, harder for voters to see," he said.

In the party dissolution case under the Constitution Court review, the EC contends the main coalition party violated its financial rules relating to campaign billboards.

Under the rules, the billboards paid by political party subsidies must have the specified size of 2.40 meters by 1.4 meters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-06

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Democrat urges UDD to join reconciliation roadmap

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ruling Democrat Party has encouraged the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) to accept the reconciliation roadmap proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to end the domestic political standoff.

Spokesperson to the Democrat Party Leader, Thepthai Senpong, stated that all UDD core leaders should find a common ground to join the five points proposed in the Prime Minister's reconciliation roadmap since the date for house dissolution was already announced as required by the UDD. Mr Thepthai added that the UDD core leaders should sincerely accept the plan.

Prime Minister Abhisit on Thursday morning confirmed that the house might be dissolved between 15 and 30 September 2010 as earlier mentioned by his close aide, Democrat MP for Songkhla, Sirichok Sopha.

According to the spokesperson, the party is confident that it will be able to testify in legal trials for its party dissolution cases. He added that the process would also take a long time to complete.

It is expected that Democrat Chief Advisor and ex-Prime Minister, Chuan Leekpai, would replace incumbent Prime Minister Abhisit if the ruling Democrat Party is dissolved.

-- NNT 2010-05-06

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Red Shirts welcome ruling party resolution

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Key Red Shirt leaders on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the ruling Democrat Party's resolution supporting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for reconciliation which they described as being a step closer to negotiation, but said their final decision is pending announcement of a specific date for House dissolution and the result of Friday's meeting of coalition partners.

Natthawut Saikua, key leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said the Democrat resolution is considered a good news which will be the second step leading to further talks.

He said the UDD leaders will meet again to discuss their positions and that their conclusion may not be reached today.

Mr Natthawut however asserted the Red Shirts are still waiting for the fixed date of the House dissolution and reactions from the coalition partners who will meet on Friday.

The Democrats on Thursday agreed on majority vote to support the premier’s five-point reconciliation plan after the Red Shirt leaders announced they accepted the road map, but vowed to stay on at Ratchaprasong rally site until Mr Abhisit states clearly when he will dissolve the House.

As the new election is set for November 14, the premier’s close aide Sirichok Sopha earlier said the House can be dissolved between September 15 and 30, but it depends on the cooperation of the Red Shirts.

Thai law requires a dissolution of Parliament 45-60 days in advance of the new election is to be held.

Mr Abhisit on Friday said “Yes” when asked by reporters over the timeframe of House dissolution revealed by Mr Sirichok, saying everybody can calculate the date.

Mr Natthawut added the UDD wants to warn the Democrat spokesman team and the spokesman for the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) not to say anything which threatens the protesters because it will destroy the atmosphere of negotiation process.

“The prime minister must say it clearly what he wants, said Mr Natthawut, “He proposed the reconciliation process while his party’s spokesman and the CRES spokesman still threatened to suppress or kill the people, the action which is not help building good atmosphere.”

Mr Natthawut came following the remarks of CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd who said the premier’s road map is a political mean to solve the crisis, but security operation to retake the protest site will not stop, awaiting for the appropriate time. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-05-06

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Related topic discussion:

Thailand's Yellow-Shirts Call For PM Abhisit To Stand Down

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-s-Y...-A-t362660.html