BANGKOK 24 February 2014 — Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn is prepared to invite coalition parties to participate in a meeting which aims to resolve the South’s election problems.
In regard to the Pheu Thai party’s seemingly apparent refusal to participate in the upcoming seminar aimed at addressing the issue of the elections in the 28 constituencies, Somchai said he would like the party to first wait for an official letter before denying the EC’s invitation.
He went on to say that the seminar, to be held in Songkhla on March 7, would be attended by 14 provincial governors and army officials as well as police. He added that it would be beneficial to members of the 4 coalition parties to send representatives to take part in the meeting in order to see the problems in the local area first-hand, and to brainstorm possible solutions to the election.
Should the Pheu Thai party leader refuse to participate in the meeting, Somchai said he would issue an order for the Interior Minister to join the meeting, and urged all sides not to obstruct the meeting.
