Action leader Suthep doesn't like intermediaries
Party leader Abhisit (Democrats) does not give up hope that it will succeed in breaking the political deadlock. But action leader Suthep Thaugsuban of the anti-government movement does not seem in the mood for talks.
“Don't make yourself an intermediary. It doesn't matter if I know them [plural], if I work with them or if I'm close to them. Don't try," he responds to Abhisit's initiative to talk to all parties about reforms.
Although over Abhisit's plan little more is known than that he talks about reforms, that is apparently enough for Suthep to shoot down his plan. 'The Suthep who has been involved in politics for 30 years no longer exists. I am now one kamnan (village chief), who listens only to the wishes of the people. I don't listen to anyone but the people. The people want reforms ahead of elections, so we need to get rid of the government to implement those reforms.”
Abhisit (pictured homepage) spoke yesterday with Kittipong Kittayarak, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice and leader of the Reform Now Network. They have agreed that reform is key to solving the political crisis, with elections an integral part of the reform process
Next week, Abhisit will speak with the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Electoral Council, the protest movement (PDRC) and the government. He expects to be able to achieve results within ten days.
Kittipong is in favor of the talks. According to him, setting a date for new elections is not urgent. "Different parties want reforms, but reforms in the midst of conflict and division are wasteful and hinder the process."
Prime Minister Yingluck yesterday said he welcomed Abhisit's initiative to break the political deadlock. His support for elections is a positive sign and his approach remains within it framework of the constitution.' Yingluck thinks Abhisit should go and talk to Suthep to settle their differences. She is also willing to talk to Abhisit, but Abhisit has not approached her yet.
(Source: Bangkok Post, Apr 26, 2014)
Photos: Yesterday, the protest movement visited the office of Thai Airways International. The demonstrators were enthusiastically received.
Hehe… it took a while, but will we finally talk? Ah… village chief Suthep, who is gradually setting himself up as a dictator, simply has to be flipped out otherwise you will remain in an impasse. He likes to forget that at the time, as a minister, he had to appear in court many times because he had helped friends with dubious land purchases.
I fear indeed that our friend Suthep, after six months of campaigning, has lost his way a bit, and can no longer see the wood for the trees. The only thing that seems to count is "destroying the S-family". But where there are winners, there are of course also losers, and dissatisfaction among certain population groups will not cease to exist.
I hope he sees that talks with all parties is the only possible way out of this impasse…