The Red Shirt protesters — formally known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship — have been holding street demonstrations in the Thai capital for the past two weeks to demand that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva carry out a parliament dissolution so new polls can be held.
“For the sake of the people, you should make way,” said Jatuporn Prompan, one of the three protest leaders at the second day of nationally televised talks between the two sides. “People would honor you and remember you for your sacrifice.”
The Red Shirts are calling on Abhisit to take action within 15 days, but seemed to express some willingness to extend their deadline. There were no agreements reached Monday, and even the question of further meetings was left in limbo.
Monday’s meeting, which lasted two hours, began on a more combative note than Sunday’s initial talks, with representatives of the two sides pointing fingers and interrupting each other.
“The current climate is marred with tension and violent tendencies,” said Abhisit, in what appeared to be a reference to several unexplained nonfatal grenade attacks around Bangkok in recent days. “One of my concerns is that, as prime minister, I need to create a favorable climate for elections. I have to also consider the opinions of the greater public — who do not necessarily align with particular colors.”
Abhisit said he wanted time for his government to carry out such tasks as passing a new budget. But taking action at the end of the year would also allow him to oversee the annual reshuffle of the military, which often interferes in politics.
