Democrats 'flip flop' on Abhisit-Thaksin talks

Democrats 'flip flop' on Abhisit-Thaksin talks

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has never said he would like to hold talks with fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said on Sunday.

"Mr Abhisit has never asked for talks with Thaksin as his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama claimed," Mr Chavanond said.

Bangkok Post file photo

On Saturday, Mr Chavanond told reporters Thaksin would be welcome to sit in - via video-conference - at a possible meeting between Mr Abhisit and Ms Yingluck.

He said people had asked him whether a meeting between Thaksin and Mr Abhisit would be possible. Thaksin can make Skype calls to his sister, caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the spokesman said.

Previously, Thaksin's legal adviser told reporters that his boss was ready to hold talks with Mr Abhisit but they must abide by the rule of law. He said Thaksin would do anything for the interest of the country, not for those who talked and acted differently.

Democrat deputy leader Ong-art Klampaiboon said his party leader's intention to pull Thailand out of the political crisis was sincere.

"Mr Abhisit has gone to meet different people to discuss possible solutions to the political problems and this shows that he's sincere and serious, unlike Mr Noppadon who claims that Mr Abhisit is being pretentious," Mr Ong-art said.

He said all sides should work together to end the country's political crisis rather than protecting their own interests.

Mr Abhisit will continue to meet representatives from different sides next week to help find ways to end the political crisis, he added.

The Democrat leader has volunteered to spearhead efforts to break the current political deadlock by personally approaching key political figures to sell them on the ideas of reform. On Friday, he met Kittipong Kittiyarak, permanent secretary for justice, to discuss the political situation.

Anti-government leader Suthep Thaugsuban, however, gave his former boss the cold shoulder, accusing him indirectly of "meddling".

Ms Yingluck praised Mr Abhisit's idea saying it was a good start.

Meanwhile, other members of the Pheu Thai Party said a quick general election can help end the crisis.

Mr Noppadon, Pheu Thai's strategy adviser, said the best and most direct solution to the country's problem is to hold a general election.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said a quicker election would not be for the benefit of Pheu Thai or other political parties but for the country as a whole.

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