The three panellists did agree, however, that a snap vote would not end the current political turmoil.

Former election commissioner Yuwarat Kamolvej said a give-and-take approach was necessary if there was to be any progress.

He characterised the current crisis as one involving many groups with divergent demands and said it would never end unless each group was at least partly satisfied.

Former charter drafter Boonlert Changyai said the Thai Rak Thai Party and the opposition parties, as well as the People's Alliance for Democracy, should try to resolve the deadlock with the help of a respected person.

"Somebody must sacrifice to some extent, otherwise they will all be sorry," he said.

Yuwarat noted that by law an election must be held within 60 days after the House is dissolved, allowing political parties, candidates and the Election Commission time to prepare.

The commission should convene a meeting of political parties to reschedule the election, slated for April 2, to a more suitable date within the 60-day limit, he said.

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a coordinator for the People's Network for Elections in Thailand, said Thai Rak Thai would trounce the small parties not joining the boycott and would have absolute control over the House.

That would completely disable the checks-and-balances system in Parliament, he said.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation