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The actual objective of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's mission to open negotiations with the red-shirted anti-government protesters remains unclear. Last week, Suthep told local media that he is in the process of arranging talks with fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to urge him to cease causing political instability.

Pongthep Thepkanjana, a spokesman for Thaksin, said yesterday that neither Thaksin nor any of his close aides had been contacted by Suthep, as claimed by the latter.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier said the talks would only be to create understanding and justice in order to end the domestic political turbulence. The Democrat-led government said it wants to open negotiations with the leaders behind the red-shirted protesters but it would not agree to any deal that would break the law.

With the confusion surrounding the proposal, the move is now seen as political posturing by Suthep. Some observers treated the news with scepticism over whether the negotiations would actually take place. Some doubt whether the government is sincere in its effort to talk with the opposition movement.

We are of the view that the government opening a negotiation channel with the opposition cannot be ignored, in spite of the red-shirted protesters' intention to continue their rally against the government.

Differences of opinion, in any democratic society, should be respected. But while the red-shirted protesters might aim to continue their pressure, the government should also try to talk to them to help lessen the conflict, which might escalate into violence.

The government should listen to what its opponents have to say.

The Pheu Thai Party boycotted the government's policy presentation last week but chose to hold an open meeting at a Bangkok hotel to criticise the new administration. Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday led the attack on the government's policies. Although the forum was organised outside the Parliament, the government should listen to criticisms and address the concerns raised by its opponents.

It is welcome news that the Abhisit government might offer an olive branch to its opponents by listening to their opinions. Abhisit correctly said that the opposition has the right to express disagreement with the government as part of the democratic process.

However, it would be unacceptable for the Abhisit government to negotiate with Thaksin, who is believed to be behind the red-shirted protesters. The word "negotiation" comes with the notion of "give and take". The public would wonder what the Abhisit administration is prepared to give to Thaksin in exchange for the suspension of the opposition's campaign against the government.

Thaksin is a fugitive and there should be no negotiating with convicted criminals. The only thing that the government may want to say to the former prime minister is to guarantee that justice will be served - as, indeed, it already has been. Exchanging barbs with the opposition will not help solve the political problem.

In fact the best way for the Abhisit government to bring about political stability is to address the concerns of the people. All Thais, whether red-shirted or yellow-shirted, are suffering from the economic problems, and many jobs are under threat.

The government should place high priority on its own performance. At the same time, the authorities should act to ensure that the Thai judicial system is respected and able to provide impartial justice to all. This should help bring back confidence to Thailand after one of the worst and most politically turbulent years that we have ever witnessed.