Army doesn't talk to Suthep
The top of the armed forces has rejected an invitation for a meeting from action leader Suthep Thaugsuban. Such a meeting could give the impression that the army is siding with the demonstrators.
"This time the army is standing between a lot of people on two sides," said army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha (photo home page). 'If you can't clear up such an impasse first, it's very dangerous. So we have to be patient, stay calm and do everything carefully.'
The aim of the conversation, Suthep explained to his supporters yesterday, was to explain the ideas of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), the name of the collaborating anti-government groups, for political reform.
“Some government officials may not understand that we want to reform the country. They have not yet had a chance to meet us, so it is necessary to speak to those responsible for security matters and let them inquire about our approach. Then they can make a decision.'
So no conversation with the army, but today with the leaders of eight private organizations. They have formed a coalition under the leadership of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and offered help to end the crisis. Tomorrow the coalition will meet for the first time to discuss possible solutions.
Suthep also wants to meet a number of respected figures, including former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and social critic Prawase Wasi. 'We are not arrogant. We will listen,” says Suthep. “We intend to ask them for advice. This must be done before the next elections, which must take place under the new revised rules. Otherwise the country cannot escape the grip of the Thaksin regime.'
Suthep also appealed to the red shirts to join the PDRC's efforts to reform the country. “If you say you love democracy and want to fight for it, we are ready to end the division between us. Take off your red shirt and join us to reform the country together.”
According to a source at the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform, the students would plan to besiege the parliament if the army did not respond positively to the protesters' reform actions.
(Source: Bangkok Post, Dec. 12, 2013)