Sondhi vows to enter the monkhood

The remark came early in the morning after a rainstorm significantly reduced the PAD crowd at Government House. Yesterday morning was quiet at the protest site. There was no stage talk or music for nearly an hour.

Sondhi, one of the most important leaders of the PAD, said he had been able to meditate on Friday evening and his heart "was at peace".

Despite an unwillingness to negotiate with the government by some PAD leaders, like Piphob Thongchai, another leader, Chamlong Srimuang, expressed his willingness in the hope of putting an end to the current political crisis.

This marked a departure. The PAD earlier insisted that the prime minister must resign and the ruling People Power party must not form the new government before any negotiation could take place.

However, Senate Speaker Prasobsook Boondech, who has taken a mediating role, said the matter was being arranged and some negotiations could begin in the next two or three days.

The Democrat Party's Booranat Samutrak cast doubt over Samak Sundaravej's willingness to negotiate.He claimed the government was "insincere" and that the PM was not helping proposed negotiations.

Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat believed negotiations would take place and be successful, however. He said the government wanted to see no more rift. He urged PAD leaders to report to police and answer arrest warrants. They can seek bail and return to speak at the rally; nobody seeks to harm them, Sompong said.

In a related development, Patitan Wattanayakarn, a Chulalongkorn University security expert, said the government's proposed popularity referendum was not suitable. The conflict has passed the point where a referendum can solve the issue, he said, proposing instead fresh elections.Boonlert Pairin, a well-known fortune-teller, said the PM's fate was now "difficult" and he could end up in exile for the rest of his life.