BANGKOK, 15 December 2013 The government’s public forum kicked off on Sunday to brainstorm solutions to Thailand’s political standoff.
Permanent secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office, Tongthong Chandransu, the organizer of the forum, said in his opening speech that the meeting was the beginning of political reforms, which would be a sustainable solution to the current stalemate.
Representatives from the Pheu Thai party, the public sector, National Security Council, UDD (red shirts), academics and the private sectors have joined the forum held at Queen Sirikit Convention Center in Bangkok on Sunday.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not join the forum as she was on her trip to the Northern, while Suthep Thaugsuban, the leader of the anti-government movement, refused to participate.
Many participants, academics in particular, insisted that the general election, set for February 2nd, could not be postponed; as it was key to solving Thailand’s political divide.
