Pro-government and pro-Thaksin senators said Tuesday they supported the army’s declaration of martial law, but would oppose the military playing any role in installing a neutral interim prime minister.
The "Group of 50 Senators", who claim to be a moderate group, supported an election and said they would oppose any attempt to install an interim premier under Section 7 of the constitution.
Group leader Wicharn Sirichaiekkawat told a news conference that the invocation of martial law would prevent the escalation of political violence.
He demanded army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the newly installed Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC), act as a go-between and invite all parties in the conflict for talks in order to swiftly restore peace to the country.
He said martial law would not affect people’s day to day lives or the economic-industrial sector.
Mr Wicharn said, however, that his group’s welcoming of martial law should not be viewed as an acceptance of the military’s authority above that of the government, but rather as an ad hoc problem solver.
Senator Tri Darnpaiboon said all senators must be impartial to avoid further stirring up the conflict. Any attempt to bring the country out of conflict must be done under the legal framework.
He warned soldiers to distance themselves from the controversial proposal to appoint a neutral premier.