Abhisit: If…., then I will retire from politics

Party leader Abhisit links his own political future to his initiative to break the political deadlock through talks on reforms. If his proposals are adopted, he will not seek re-election. With this he wants to make it clear that he has no hidden agenda or wants to make a profit.

Abhisit's offer earned him a reprimand from Prime Minister Yingluck. "Abhisit should not set conditions for others to accept his proposals." Yingluck says he is still willing to listen to his proposals. She thinks everyone will agree and follow ideas that are practical.

The joust will continue for a while, because now Abhisit is questioning the determination of the election date. The Electoral Council and government agreed on 20 July on Wednesday.

Abhisit calls it a desperate attempt by the government to cling to power. "Going to the polls when the conditions are not right will not solve the problems plaguing the country and could potentially lead to bloodshed."

In the meantime, Abhisit also seems to distance itself from the protest movement, because what does he say according to Bangkok Post? The PDRC's options could lead to deadly confrontations. I believe that all those options are risky and not the answer for Thailand.'

The July 20 choice on Wednesday sparked a backlash from both the anti- and pro-government movement. The UDD (red shirts) has scheduled a rally on Monday, the same day the anti-government movement will embark on a series of marches through Bangkok that should end with the final battle on May 14.

Abhisit still says little about his proposals. He prefers to keep them a secret until an agreement is reached. But he promises to announce them in a few days. Abhisit has not yet spoken to Yingluck and action leader Suthep.

(Source: Bangkok Post, May 2, 2014)