Leading members of political parties and political groups, academics and prominent public figures have gathered at the Army Club in Bangkok for a meeting aimed at fostering reconciliation.
The meeting on on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road was organised by the National Council for Peace and Order's Reconcilation Centre for Reform headed by Gen Chatchalerm Chalermsuk. He is deputy secretary-general of the NCPO and secretary-general of the Internal Security Operations Command.
Several leading members of the Pheu Thai Party arrived at the club Thursday morning, including Worawat Eua-apinyakul, Worachai Hema, Amnuay Khlangpha, Anusorn Iamsa-ard, Pongthep Thepkanchana, Chaturon Chaisaeng and Phumtham Vechayachai.
Key members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship also showed up, including UDD chairman Jatuporn Prompan, Tida Thawornseth and Nattawut Saikuar.
Academics attending included Pichit Likitkijsomboon, an economic lecturer at Thammasat University, and National Reform Council member Chirmsak Pinthong.
Sirawit Serithiwat and Natcha Kong-udom were among the political activists assembled.
Representing the Democrat Party were party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chamni Sakdiseth.
Winyat Chartmontree, a lawyer for the UDD, said he had prepared information on the political cases and causes of political conflicts as well as his opinion regarding the invocation of Section 44 of the interim charter to be presented to the meeting.
Sources said all of the meeting attendants were scanned for weapons and not allowed to carry their mobile phones into the session. Their aides and news reporters were not allowed inside.