Chuan talking with former PMs on reconciliation panel
Parliament speaker Chuan Leekpai said he had talked to former prime ministers about moves to set up a national reconciliation committee to resolve ongoing political turmoil.
Chuan, himself a former PM, was speaking after receiving the King Prajadhipok's Institute preparatory study for the reconciliation panel.
The study advised the panel could take one of two forms – representatives from all sides of the conflict (as proposed last week in Parliament), or independent middlemen selected by the different sides.
Chuan said the two proposed structures could be adjusted or merged, adding he would hold talks with stakeholders before making a final decision.
He said he has already consulted three former prime ministers about the panel and would also ask former speakers of Parliament, as well as current opposition leader Sompong Amornvivat, for their views.
“I need time for personal talks with these senior figures,” he added.
It is understood that Chuan has already contacted former PMs Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Anand Panyarachun and Abhisit Vejjajiva, and will seek more advice on the panel from other ex-national leaders.
Chief government whip Wirat Rattanaset said the government had no objection to the structures proposed by King Prajadhipok's Institute.
Wirat also rejected protesters’ demand for PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to quit, saying he must stay on to resolve the country’s problems. He said protestors should recognise that the PM was selected by the majority of people in the country.
Protesters have pointed out that former coup-leader Prayut was selected by a joint vote between MPs and the military-appointed Senate.
