Gov't open for dialogue with protestors: Thai PM

BANGKOK, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Thai government is open for dialogue with the anti-government group to ensure security during the mass rally, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated Thursday.

Red-shirted protestors attend a rally in Thai capital of Bangkok on March 18,  2010. The Thai government is open for dialogue with the anti-government group to  ensure security during the mass rally, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated  Thursday.(Xinhua/Liu Siu Wai)

Abhisit's statement was made after a meeting with the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand to discuss means, including dialogue with the UDD protestors, to ensure security during the ongoing mass rally.

Tens of thousands of protestors led by United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have converged in Bangkok since March 12 to press the premier to dissolve the lower House of parliament and call a snap election.

Moreover, the red-shirted or UDD core leaders announced Wednesday evening that they have planned to scatter their rally in capital Bangkok on March 20.

The meeting, which was held at the peace-keeping operations command located at the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok, chaired by the premier.

After the meeting, a press conference was held at the 11th Infantry Regiment, which was broadcast live by national Army Television Channel 5.

Overall, the rally is now peaceful as the government has attempted to ensure security by coordinating with the UDD leaders, Afara Pongsapich, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) said.

However, security worry has existed since the leaders are not united on how the mass rally should be continued, said Afara.

Hence, it was agreed at the meeting that dialogue should be organized for the government and the UDD protestors to meet for negotiation, said Afara.

But, Premier Abhisit said, any negotiation via the dialogue must be made under a legal framework, while added that this message will be forwarded to the protestors.

The dialogue means will be gradually conducted, therefore it will take time to have concrete conclusion, said the NHRCT chairman.