Key government figures have flatly rejected a much-touted proposal by Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to end the political impasse.
The plan, which requires the resignation of the caretaker government and would likely delay elections for two years, was also met warily by other stakeholders in the political conflict.
Former premier Abhisit on Saturday spelled out a nine-point plan to steer the country out of conflict, saying the caretaker government should resign to pave the way for a “neutral” interim government, to be appointed by the Senate speaker, which would kick off a campaign of reform.
The Democrat leader said his plan was intended to prevent further losses of lives as a result of the protracted political crisis, and avoid a potential coup or embroiling the royal institution in the conflict.
He said reform in key areas could be finished within a year and a half, and a general election could then be held within six months thereafter.
Mr Abhisit noted that all sides of the conflict would not gain everything they want from his proposals, but said everyone would have at least have some of their demands met.
Those in the government would have a clear framework for a future election and could campaign for support without disruption from opponents, he said.
On the other hand, the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) would have its demand met for a neutral government and reform council, although the process of appointing this body would be slightly different from what the protest group wanted, Mr Abhisit said.
The country, however, will stand to benefit “in totality” from his proposal as it would see an election, reform, no coup and no losses of lives, he said.
Mr Abhisit said he did not meet caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra or PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban to discuss his proposals before announcing the plan on Saturday.
He had earlier said he wanted to keep the details of his plan under wraps until he had discussed it with the two warring leaders.
But he said on Saturday that meeting Ms Yingluck and Mr Suthep would have been construed as an effort to drive bargains.
A source at Government House on Saturday said Ms Yingluck had been informed of Mr Abhisit’s proposals, but had refused to comment on them.
The source said Ms Yingluck’s stance is to listen to any proposal which complies with the constitution and the principles of democracy, but she insisted the caretaker government will remain in office until a new government is elected to replace it.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said Mr Abhisit’s idea of installing a neutral interim government was impractical and undemocratic, and the public would never accept it.
Caretaker Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng said the requirement that Ms Yingluck step down and the Senate speaker choose a neutral prime minister is unconstitutional and detrimental to democratic principles.
His proposals are not different from those of the PDRC, Mr Chaturon noted.
The Upper House is currently without a speaker, but a new one is expected to be chosen on Friday. Political sources believe Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai, who is a vocal critic of the current government, is a likely choice for the position.
Noppadon Pattama, a member of a Pheu Thai committee on party affairs, said the party will carefully study Mr Abhisit’s proposals and formally announce its stance on Tuesday.
But red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship chairman Jatuporn Prompan rejected the proposals outright, saying they ran counter to basic democracy and were impossible to implement.
PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said some of Mr Abhisit’s proposals mirrored those of the protest group. But he stressed that the onus is on the political parties to discuss and reach agreement, adding that if the government disagrees national reform is unlikely to proceed.
The PDRC will continue with its rally, regardless of the outcome of talks between Mr Abhisit and the government, Mr Akanat said.
The Election Commission said it would study Mr Abhisit’s proposals at a meeting on Tuesday, saying it was an “important matter”.