Following the political conflict and protests which have persisted for some time, causing  concern and anxiety to all sides about the future of politics or even a way out for our country in the future, the Government, bearing responsibility for the administration of the country, has tried its utmost to maintain peace and order, and to uphold the democratic system with the King as Head of the State.

The Government affirms that we stand ready to open our hearts to listen to the various opinions, including fora for dialogue to seek the best way out for the future of the country. From following information that has appeared before the public, it is evident that there have been attempts by various organisations to open up space or fora for peaceful dialogue to identify approaches for reforming the country in the days ahead.

Now that there is a royal decree authorising the dissolution of the House of Representatives and setting the election date for 2 February 2014, there should be peaceful dialogue between all parties in parallel with the wait for the  election on 2 February. There should be a search for a mutual agreement on a post-election approach on how to reform the country in concrete terms to resolve the problems to the satisfaction of all sectors.

The Government has considered the said opinions, together with information and proposals that various sides in society are trying to brainstorm to allow us to move ahead. I wish to say that the Government is pleased to help facilitate the holding of such a forum, and have assigned Mr. Thongtong Chandrangsu, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, to take initial charge and  invite various parties that represent political parties, the private and business sector, the public sector, academic institutions, civil society, all political groups, various organizations, lawyers and academics of various persuasions, as well as the media, to jointly engage in a dialogue for feasible solutions. The Government stands ready to facilitate the opening of this forum so that our country Thailand can move forward.

I wish to extend an invitation for this joint consultation on Sunday 15 December 2013 at 09.00 hrs at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister will be the facilitator of the discussion.

The Government hopes that, after engaging in such a dialogue with open mind, there will be clear proposals for all sides in Thai society to see a way to resolve the country’s situation and achieve mutual consent.

        Office of the Spokesperson