Thaksin calls for national reconciliation

On the eve of Thailand's general election, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra renewed his call for national reconciliation, saying he is willing to consider all proposals following the April 2 general election, even suggestions about self-sacrifice, or suspending his political role.

The embattled caretaker prime minister said that every party must end conflicting ideologies out of respect for the beloved monarch, as Thailand is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the King's ascension to the throne this year.

"Let's reconcile after the snap election in honor of our beloved monarch and for the sake of national solidarity amid fiercer global competition," he said.

The prime minister said he is willing to consider every proposal,even suggestions that he sacrifice for national peace by suspending his own political role, said Thaksin.

"I've accepted Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa, the ChartThai Party leader's offer to be a political mediator," he added.

Speaking to journalists at a golf driving range Saturday, Thaksin urged eligible voters to exercise their right in Sunday's poll.

"Thais who love democracy must go to polling booths on Sunday to exercise their electoral right," he said.

"The election outcome must be respected by all," he added.

Thaksin noted that he would cast his vote Sunday morning and would then take his wife, son and daughters to cast their ballots before heading to his Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party headquarters.

Asked whether he still has confidence that his party would receive more than 50 percent of the total votes in the forthcoming general election, the caretaker premier said it is up to the voters ' decisions and he reserved the right not to say anything.

But Thaksin reiterated that he would not return to his post if his party candidates received less than half of the votes cast in the general election.

Conflicting parties must return to negotiating table after the election in order to end the current political crisis, he stressed.

The embattled caretaker premier said, if re-elected, his government would try to bring unity back to the country and people in the country could no longer afford to fight against each other, while the country is competing with the world community.

Source: Xinhua