MEPs welcome to talk - with government

MEPs welcome to talk - with government

The two European Parliament members (MEPs) who earlier invited former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to share her views on politics are welcome to talk to the government instead, the Foreign Ministry says.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said any Thai state agencies would welcome MPs Elmar Brok and Werner Langen if they really want to visit and hold talks.

He was responding to a letter sent to Nopadol Gunavibool, Thai ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, after the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office-Holders decided not to allow Ms Yingluck to travel to Europe to meet them in response to an earlier invitation.

Mr Nopadol was invited to a meeting and he explained to Mr Brok and Mr Langen Thailand's road map to restore democracy, said ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee.

The letter said the European Parliament traditionally invites all sides to share their views to gain a full insight into the political situation of a country.

Yingluck: MPs happy to travel here

According to the letter, it usually seeks the views of the government, opposition and civil society.

The two MEPs also said in the letter they were willing to continue their discussions with representatives of the government either in Brussels, Strasbourg or Bangkok.

Mr Don said Ms Yingluck could not go abroad due to the court's decision.

The court last week said Ms Yingluck's reasons for taking the trip were "weak".

The court granted bail to Ms Yingluck in May and ordered her not to leave the country without its permission.

It made the order when she answered charges relating to her role in the loss-ridden rice-pledging programme. Although her Pheu Thai Party denies Ms Yingluck would have fled abroad if given the chance to travel to Europe to meet the MPs, the court was not convinced.

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