An interim government is needed urgently, says the Council of the University Presidents of Thailand (Cupt).
President Rajata Rajatanavin said the political crisis must be solved as soon as possible.
Participation of all stakeholders is needed to pull the country out of the crisis through parliamentary mechanisms under the constitutional framework, he said.
"I beg all related sectors to take part in such negotiations. The current caretaker government has limited power, which has caused the country to grind to a halt while the political conflict heats up.
"I think an interim government should be appointed and the process to select the interim government be carefully discussed to pave the way for the next election," said Mr Rajata, who is also Mahidol University's rector.
Mr Rajata, along with 26 rectors and representatives from 27 state universities, yesterday attended a two-hour meeting with 23 senators at the National Institute of Development Administration.
The senators, led by newly-appointed Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai, travelled to meet the uni rectors to discuss ways to solve the country's crisis.
Mr Rajata did not go into detail about what he wanted. He only said it must be based on the principles of law.
Mr Surachai promised that any solution proposed to the public would be acceptable and fair to all sides.
He said the Cupt and the Senate are independent of politics, and have the freedom to propose ways out of the country's political problems.
He also called on the People's Democratic Reform Committee and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to stop pressuring the Senate to follow their demands.
He said the media should not distort the facts as this would worsen political disputes and destroy the country's hope.
"I never said that I will use Section 7 of the charter to solve the country's problems. A solution has not yet been decided on, as we, the Senate, are in the process of listening to stakeholders' opinions," he said.
"We want to listen to the suggestions and demands from the government, as well as leaders of the UDD,'' Mr Surachai said.
Meanwhile, 10 senators led by Lamphun Senator Tri Danphaiboon, yesterday said they opposed the appointment of an interim prime minister, arguing such a move would be unconstitutional.