As political strife between the anti-establishment and right-wing royalist groups drags on amid concerns over a deadlock, some elements, including both politicians and academics, are beginning to believe that a referendum may be the only way out of this crisis.
Yesterday, Paiboon Nititawan, a list MP and deputy leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), reiterated the need for such a process. However, his proposal to ban political rallies for two years to allow the economy to recover was jaw-dropping.
He cited Section 166 of the constitution, saying he would propose to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that the issues be put before the 52 million voters expected to turn out for the provincial administration elections in 76 provinces on Dec 20. In order to meet that timeframe, he recommended that the government issue an executive decree as the current referendum bill being vetted by parliament is not expected to be approved until early next year.
In his view, a dissolution of the House to pave the way for a general election, one of the protesters' three demands, would only exacerbate economic problems and do little to solve the conflict itself.
Mr Paiboon, who is known for his military-leaning stance, proposed the idea during the joint House-Senate session, but during answers to a different question -- that of whether the PM should resign.
The pursuit of either of these objectives, however, seems equally futile, and the proposed ban on demonstrations has already been met with fierce opposition.
The ban on political rallies, many critics have suggested, would infringe on civil rights guaranteed under the current charter.
The ongoing demonstrations by anti-establishment groups which resumed in earnest in early August after the Covid-19 lockdown ended have so far been peaceful and centred around three core demands -- for the PM to resign, a charter rewrite and reforms of the monarchy.
In fact, it has been the provocations by right-wing elements who have, on several occasions, mobilised counter-rallies in close proximity to the pro-democracy events that has done the most to escalate tensions and raise fears of violent confrontations.
The prime minister should ignore the deputy PPRP leader's referendum idea, and instead support negotiations, either through a new panel on reconciliation, or informal talks involving all concerned parties.
The longer he delays brokering a deal that suits all, the more difficult the situation will become.
At least the government finally appears to be on the right track after expediting moves to rewrite the charter in favour of its previous attempts to stall the process.
A referendum is certainly an option, but the wording would be tricky. Some leading scholars have wondered how legally feasible, as well as socio-politically contentious, conducting a poll on reforms of the highest institution would be.
Nevertheless, it is only right that some kind of nationally collaborative process be undertaken so that the matter can be addressed in a mature and inclusive manner. And while the politicisation of this sensitive issue can hardly be avoided, at least it would give every Thai a chance for their voice to be heard.
In fact, His Majesty the King in answering an impromptu question by a CNN reporter on Sunday evening said himself that "Thailand is the land of compromise".
All factions should heed this guidance and together strive to achieve a bloodless and inclusive end to the crisis.