Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has called on the armed forces to stay neutral throughout the current political conflict, Defence Ministry spokesman Thanatip Sawangsaeng said on Friday.
Col Thanatip said the caretaker premier on Friday morning chaired a Defence Council meeting to discuss the overall political situation and the general election scheduled for Feb 2 next year, attended by armed forces commanders.
"Ms Yingluck asked armed forces commanders to remind troops to stay neutral and treat all political parties equally," he said. "She also asked the armed forces to help the Election Commission (EC) in holding the polls, if necessary."
Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the opposition Democrat Party, has instructed core members of his party to meet party representatives from Pheu Thai, Chat Thai Pattana, Bhumjaithai and Palang Chon on Friday afternoon.
Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said the Democrats support the EC's move to hold the general election but would like other parties to make sacrifices for the national interest by postponing the election date.
"The Democrat Party would like other parties serve the interests of their country, rather than their own interests, by postponing the election first," Mr Chavanond said.
"The Democrats are ready to talk to any political parties to find solutions to the country and we don't have any hidden political agenda."
Parties must give people more time to discuss national reform to ensure that the next election will offer a lasting solution to conflict in the country, he added.
