BANGKOK, Oct 19 (TNA) — House Speaker Chuan Leekpai convened representatives of coalition and opposition parties to discuss the ongoing political crisis.
He said that he did not intervene in the work of the government and he hoped that the meeting could come up with useful recommendations for concerned parties.
A special parliamentary session to discuss political solutions was an option, he said, although the next ordinary parliamentary session will begin in 10 days.
Regarding demonstrators’ negative stance on the parliamentary system, Mr Chuan said all people had their freedom of expression and each party was doing its duty. He did not comment on the call for the prime minister’s resignation.
On demonstrators’ demand for constitutional changes, Mr Chuan said the parliamentary committee studying constitutional amendment sought to extend its work deadline for 15 days.
After the meeting, Mr Chuan later said representatives of the government, the opposition and the cabinet agreed that the cabinet would seek a special parliamentary session to discuss political solutions.
Thousands of anti-government demonstrators continued with their rallies for the fifth day at main intersections in Bangkok on Sunday in defiance of the government’s state of emergency decree which bans a gathering of more than four people.
The government dispersed their rally at Pathumwan intersection on Saturday. Demonstrators demanded constitutional amendment, the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the reform of the royal institution and the release of their detained demonstration leaders. (TNA)
