Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont meets with political leaders yesterday at his Phitsanulok residence. Flanking him are Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, left, and Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa.

He said he wanted martial law to be lifted as early as possible, according to some party leaders present at the lunch meeting.

"I have told the party leaders that the Cabinet has agreed to ease the regulations about banning gatherings as soon as possible. I think that it should be possible by the beginning of next month," the interim PM said during a news conference at Govern-ment House.

"This meeting indicates that I am sincere. I really want co-operation from them," Surayud said.

Earlier in the day, at Baan Phitsanulok, the PM's official residence, Surayud had lunch with leaders of more than 40 political parties endorsed by the Election Commis-sion, including the country's largest - Thai Rak Thai and the Democrats.

Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasart was absent from the meeting. He is on the trip to London and talked to Surayud via telephone before the lunch.

Surayud said he invited the party leaders to hear their views, especially regarding the drafting of a new constitution. "I believe there should be an opportunity for as much participation as possible because those who met with me [yesterday] will probably be among those who will lead the country in the future," the premier said.

The PM also urged political parties to supply suggestions on how a new constitution should look, according to some of the participating party leaders.

After overthrowing the government of Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19, the coup makers imposed stiff restrictions on political parties, including a ban on meetings of more than five people. Surayud said last week that he would try to ease the ban to allow gatherings indoors at private places like universities or political party headquarters.

The premier yesterday reiterated that martial law would be lifted as soon as the situation stabilised, but he declined to give an exact date.

At the meeting, Thai Rak Thai Party acting leader Chaturon Chaisang yesterday pledged co-operation but refused his party's direct involvement with the interim government.

Chaturon also said Prime Minister Surayud promised to expedite the lifting of restrictions on basic rights.

"I agreed to a meeting with Surayud because my party promotes reconciliation and I want to lend support in resolving the southern violence," he said, referring to Surayud's luncheon invitation for him and other party leaders.

He said he had exchanged views on a number of issues over lunch.

His party was ready to work with the government on various issues, including the unrest in the South, although it would not sit on any government-formed agencies, Chaturon said.

In regard to the charter, his party suggested the 1997 Constitution be amended instead of drafting a completely new basic law, he said.

During the writing, the government should encourage public involvement, he said.

The party may join other parties in a brainstorming session to offer suggestions for charter amendments but will not offer an alternate draft, he said.

Chaturon said Surayud did not discuss with him about his party's future activities.

The party would still go ahead with its plan to monitor the performance of the interim government although it needed more time to form relevant panels to do the job as so many party members wanted to work, he said.

Following his lunch with party leaders, Surayud said Chaturon had offered him many constructive ideas.

He said he would heed advice from party leaders regarding the charter.

"I confirm I have no hidden agenda in meeting with party leaders because I truly want to solicit views about charter writing," he said.

Surayud said his government had no preconceived idea about the new charter, vowing not to skew the process.

Commenting about attempts to destabilise his government, he said he was aware of the circulation of chain letters although he had not unmasked the culprits.

He said he had no information about the dispatch of provincial soldiers from Nakhon Sawan to Bangkok. He noted that news reports might not be accurate because he saw no need to beef up troops in the capital.

Political Desk

The Nation