The protracted political deadlock, aggravated by escalating violence, has prompted members of the social elite to come out and share their concerns.
But of all the recommendations, there are still ambiguities. It remains unclear who has the ability to persuade the rival parties to sit around a table and negotiate a solution, if that is the only possible outcome — or even who has the legitimate right to govern the country.
On one side, the elected caretaker government, with ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra calling the shots from behind the scenes, is determined to cling to power while on the other side Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), leads the street protests claiming the support of the “great masses” in a bid to oust the government.
Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, 81, has suggested a quiet talk between the two sides before the country plunges into a recession.
Other former premiers have different stances, however. Former Democrat premier, 76-year-old Chuan Leekpai, though not making rally stage appearances, seems to share Mr Suthep’s cause.
The 82-year-old Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has been busy building up his businesses in neighbouring countries and has opted to stay out of the whole affair; while 81-year-old Banharn Silaparcha has returned to politics, after a five-year ban by the Constitution Court in 2008, but appears to have said little to date.
Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon, with lessons from the May 1992 uprising, remains silent. So does Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council, whose moves are closely watched by the public.
Shortly before Mr Anand spoke out, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, former deputy prime minister and former Bank of Thailand governor, and Borwornsak Uwanno, Thaksin’s former close aide-turned-critic, mentioned the need for a new leader to prevent Thailand from sliding further into irreversible dysfunctionality.
In this regard, the traditional players in the Thai democratic system do not bother to hide the fact they are looking for another “godsend” leader who can free the country from corrupt politicians and turn the political situation around.
Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Asia Foundation showed 15% of those joining the PDRC protests wanted to oust “Thaksin and his clan” to protect democracy.
At the same time, some have observed that to maintain power, the Yingluck government is projecting itself as a group of pro-royalists.
The number of people charged with lese majeste under the Yingluck administration now exceeds those charged under the time of its Democrat predecessor.
A politician with royal ancestry, MR Malinee Chakrabhand, has projected herself as a red shirt, and a royalist.
It is disturbing, however, that political parties which are supposed to benefit from the well-being of Thai democracy fail to appreciate political solutions.
The Democrats chose to boycott the elections; others appear to stand ready to side with whoever emerges the winner in everyday political tussles.
The debates are left to the people on the ground especially in the cyber world where concerns are rising about “behind-the-scenes” solutions proposed by former prime ministers or elites outside democratic frameworks.
Hostility is growing as political warfare drags on with more people killed and wounded while farmers — the backbone of the nation — turn up in Bangkok to call for justice.
Negotiations and trade-offs which are par for the course in politics certainly are inevitable but without any sacrifice and concessions from either group, Thailand can hardly move on.
It’s time to tone down the hate speeches and for each side to stop trying to maximise its own advantage. Instead, each side must make sacrifices so democratic principles can be maintained.
I still see no other way but to respect the people’s mandate through the voice of the voters. And no matter how the Pheu Thai Party and the PDRC would like to interpret the election outcome to their own benefit, what is really needed is genuine political reform.
The Pheu Thai Party must learn its lesson from its missteps which upset many of its own supporters, never mind the general public, such as the push for the blanket amnesty bill.
Also, the PDRC and Democrats must be reminded that they can make political advances only through democratic means, not street pressure or a council by a minority.
Achara Ashayagachat is Senior News Reporter, Bangkok Post.