Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says he is hopeful anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban will support his plan to break the political deadlock after the pair hold talks.
People’s Democratic Reform Committee secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban receives a warm welcome from THAI staff before a meeting with airline executives and the labour union about a new mass rally plan aimed at forcing national reform before a general election. SEKSAN ROJJANAMETAKUL
It came as the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) chief delivered blistering remarks warning against "meddling" in the conflict, widely seen as being directed at Mr Abhisit.
In a special interview with the Bangkok Post yesterday, Mr Abhisit said Mr Suthep has not seen his blueprint, but he believed the PDRC leader would be able to accept it.
The Democrat leader is keeping his plan under wraps until he has discussed it with the rival parties.
But he said it would be impossible to make Mr Suthep happy while still offering something that is acceptable to other parties involved in the conflict.
Mr Abhisit said his proposal could be implemented immediately and is designed to contain any further escalation of the crisis should the Constitutional Court strip caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of her powers.
The court is expected to rule on the premier's status over the Thawil Pliensri transfer case, a judgement which potentially threatens the future of her entire cabinet.
Both pro-government and anti-government supporters plan to hold major rallies on the day the court delivers its ruling, raising fears of clashes.
Mr Abhisit said his proposal is intended to cover a "transitional period".
He insisted his proposal falls within the framework of the constitution, saying it does not call for the suspension of any section of the charter.
Mr Abhisit said the country needs reform now but without participation from all stakeholders, it is unlikely to succeed.
An election is a tool under the framework of the constitution to help political reforms materialise, he said.
"But in a time of intense political conflict, reform prior to an election isn't quite the answer. The heart of the issue is to make an election an integral part of the reform process.
"All sides must agree on a fair and transparent election with some measures to ensure it. There must be something to provide a guarantee that reforms will take place after an election and they will not go back on their word," he said.
Mr Abhisit said having all those involved in the conflict ratify it may not be enough, but noted he has his own "model" to present to stakeholders. However, he declined to discuss the details.
Asked if his proposal deals with forming a "national government", he said he could not discuss it out of concerns that criticism that might derail his plan.
According to Mr Abhisit, reaching an agreement is a necessary step to prevent untoward incidents as a ruling on the prime minister's status looms.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, left, meets permanent justice secretary Kittipong Kittayarak, right, to outline his offer to help break the political deadlock. SOMCHAI POOMLARD
He will be talking to "pieces" of the jigsaw puzzle, which are the Reform Now Network, the military, the Election Commission, the government and the PDRC.
"I accept I and my party are a part of the problem but now I want to be the 'answer' and want to know whether others [conflicting parties] want to join with me," he said.
Mr Abhisit spoke to the Bangkok Post a day after launching his bid to resolve the political crisis by approaching key political figures to sell them ideas for reform.
However, Mr Suthep clearly showed he was in no mood to hold talks.
"Don't appoint yourself as a middleman," the protest leader said. "It doesn't matter if I know them, work with them or I am close to them. Don't they dare.
"The Suthep who played politics for 36 years isn't here any more. I am now a kamnan who pays heed to the people's demands only. I don't listen to anyone but the people. And the people want reform before elections, so we must get rid of the government to implement reforms."
Mr Abhisit yesterday met the Reform Now Network led by permanent secretary for justice Kittipong Kittayarak.
After an hour-long talk, the Democrat leader said he and the Reform Now Network had reached a common understanding that reform is a key element for resolving the political crisis, and an election is a crucial part of the process.
It was also agreed that people involved should step back from their "reform before elections" and "elections before reform" stances, he said. The debate offers no solution because an election must be an integral part of the reform process, he added.
Mr Abhisit said he would on next week meet the Supreme Commander, the Election Commission, the PDRC and the government to discuss his plan, and expects to see results within 10 days. Mr Kittipong echoed those comments, saying that setting an election date is not an issue.
"Personally I encourage talks," he said. "Several sides want reform but reform amid conflict and divisiveness will be a waste and will hamper the process."
Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday welcomed Mr Abhisit's effort to break the political impasse. She said his support for an election was a positive sign and his approach is within the framework of the charter.
The caretaker premier also said Mr Abhisit should talk with Mr Suthep and iron out their differences. She said she is also willing to talk with the Democrat leader, but noted he has yet to approach her.