Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) chief Chalerm Yubamrung has made an about turn and said he would like to meet personally with People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader Suthep Thaugsuban for talks.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mr Chalerm said he changed his standpoint because he wanted peace in the country.
He said he would like to see Mr Suthep at his home in the Phutthamonthon area. However, the talks must not be on the condition that the prime minister must resign first.
"Would you convey my message to the kamnan (Suthep) that I would like to meet him at his home. I would go there alone, but I would not go if there is a condition that the prime minister must first resign," Mr Chalerm said.
The caretaker labour minister said this was his own idea and that he did not need permission from either caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra or former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr Chalerm said he wanted Mr Suthep to allow the election to be completed so that a new government could be set up. After that Mr Suthep could propose his reform blueprint to the government.
He admitted having signed an order for the deportation of leading Indian businessman Satish Sehgal, saying that he acted within the law, and Mr Sehgal had committed offences.
On the report that Mr Sehgal would petition to His Majesty the King over his deportation, Mr Chalerm said the Indian businessman had the right to do so.