'Third way' peacemakers abused

The numbers, (02) 849 6072-5, belong to Mahidol University's Centre for Peace Studies and Development, led by Gothom Arya. They were bombarded by angry PAD callers only days after being set up as an outlet for people who have been suffering emotionally from the present political crisis.

PAD co-leader Piphob Dhongchai belittled the third-way group, which plans to hold peace talks, as futile. He said there could be no reconciliation without truth.

Another PAD co-leader, Chamlong Srimuang, attacked the group as being unrealistic. He said the PAD was not against dialogue and insisted it was not in conflict with anyone but was trying to protect the country from corruption.

The PAD is planning to stage a protest in front of the British Embassy this morning and later march to a nearby shopping mall. It will demand the British government send convicted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand.

In a related development, a small group of People Power Party (PPP) MPs has proposed Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda serve as a mediator between the two sides of the present political conflict.

The group is led by two Lop Buri MPs - Amnuay Klangpha and Suchart Lainamngoen - and PPP party-list MP Surachai Baochanya.

Amnuay yesterday said he did not wish to see a final confrontation between the two sides.

"As a representative of the people and a PPP MP, I would like to propose that General Prem, who is respected by the people and has long political experience, be asked to invite different groups to talk and solve the ideological conflicts within society," he said. "I suggest this because the majority of the people want peace. Those groups that do not accept the invitation to talk should be condemned and ousted from Thailand."

Amnuay said he had not yet personally contacted Prem, because he would like the idea presented in the media first.