While the government is trying to involve prominent public figures in its political reform assembly, the initiative has been shunned by the Democrat Party, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and civic groups.
Far from joining forces, the opposition and civic groups have set up separate teams to map out their own blueprints for political reform. In short, political reconciliation is still not within easy reach.
Former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa has emerged as the main co-ordinator inviting former prime ministers, political party leaders and other well-known names in society to join and lend credibility to the forum.
He is also trying to convince the "Group of 40" senators, who are critics of the government, to join as well.
Many, however, do not believe politicians can effect political reform. The stances of political parties remain oceans apart. They are also in fierce competition with one another.
For example, Pheu Thai believes the Democrats are the ones who urgently need to reform themselves after suffering election defeat after election defeat. The Democrats, however, believe Pheu Thai _ in order to be a truly democratic party _ needs to free itself from the sole control of only one man, their de facto leader in exile.
It is the same story with the leadership of the Chartthaipattana Party. Mr Banharn is its real leader, and runs the party like a family business. Critics question how political reform can be possible when the structures of both the Pheu Thai and Chartthaipattana parties are far from democratic.
But Mr Banharn refuses to accept no as an answer too easily. Although he already knows their answers, he still set up appointments with social thinker Prawase Wasi and ex-PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul. On Monday, he will also meet former prime minister and chairman of the Democrats' Council of Advisers Chuan Leekpai, former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban.
There is no chance of the PAD officially joining the government's political reform forum as a group.
The PAD has already stopped its political activities. According to Parnthep Pourpongpan, former PAD spokesman, each member is now free to pursue their own political interests as individuals, but not under the name of the PAD.
Former PAD member Suriyasai Katasila, now co-ordinator of the Green Politics Group, said his new faction and 40 other civic groups will launch their own political reform moves on Sunday. The more the merrier, says Mr Parnthep.
"The public will then be able compare notes and decide for themselves which paths they will take," he said.
Komsant Pokong, a law lecturer from Sukhothai Thammathirat University, is among civil society leaders who say they do not support the government's move because they believe the administration has a hidden political agenda intended to serve vested interests. They also believe reforming only the political system is too narrow in its aim.
Prime Minister's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn who is another main co-ordinator of the political reform assembly, refutes the allegations of a hidden political agenda.
"We sincerely want to find a way out of the conflicts," he said, adding involving heavyweights from various sectors is part of the government's effort to make the forum as participatory as possible.
Different sides, different stances. But no side can deny that real reform must be comprehensive and involve social and economic changes, with an aim to tackle injustice and double standards by strictly maintaining the rule of law.
If different sides can agree on this, there is some chance for Thailand to get itself out of its current political black hole.
Nattaya Chetchotiros is Assistant News Editor, Bangkok Post