The cabinet will today discuss reconvening a special parliamentary session to address the ongoing political conflict as protesters continue to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Gen Prayut said yesterday the cabinet would discuss the matter at today's weekly meeting, after declaring for the first time that he supported the idea.
"The government supports the opening of a special parliamentary session," he said.
Lawmakers have called for the House, which is in recess, to be recalled, so as to move the political conflict from the streets to parliament.
The premier appeared to soften his stance against the protests on Sunday after previously urging people not to take part in the rallies because they were in breach of the state of emergency declared in Bangkok.
Gen Prayut yesterday asked demonstrators not to break the law, saying his government hoped the rallies would stay peaceful and police would not need to use force.
He also denied that the cabinet yesterday discussed imposing a curfew to halt the demonstrations.
House Speaker Chuan Leekpai said yesterday he would ask the prime minister to call a special session of parliament to debate the escalating political unrest, following a meeting with representatives of political parties from the coalition and the opposition camps.
Mr Chuan said he would soon send a letter to the prime minister, proposing a special parliamentary session be called.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday that the constitution allowed the cabinet to ask His Majesty the King to issue a royal decree to convene an extraordinary session.
It could also be reconvened if one-third of lawmakers from both houses supported a motion for a special session.
Mr Wissanu pointed out that previously a royal decree had already been issued to set Nov 1 for the opening of a normal parliamentary session and the government would find ways to open the earlier session to ease the conflict.
Protests calling for Gen Prayut's resignation have gathered pace, in Bangkok and the provinces, since student leaders and activists were arrested and water cannons used to disperse a rally in Bangkok on Friday night.
