The People's Alliance for Democracy on Thursday issued a statement condemning the prime minister for skirting around his job in order to work out a deal with the red shirts, seen as terrorists.
"The road map for reconciliation is, in fact, a shameful deal which will spawn the growth of terrorist and anti-monarchy activities nationwide," the PAD said in its statement.
PAD leaders, including Chamlong Srimuuang, Somsak Kosaisuk and Pipop Thongchai, were present in full force when their spokesman Suriyasai Katasila read out the statement.
Suriyasai also urged Abhisit Vejjajiva to reconsider and put his road map on hold. The only alternative was for Abhisit to step down in order to allow a more qualified leader to rein in the red shirts, he said.
The gist of the six-point statement is as the followings:
1. The PAD supports for the social reforms and the social welfare system but this should not be part of the reconciliation process. It is not an option to reconcile with individuals who the government has labelled as terrorists and anti-monarchists.
2. From the PAD's viewpoint, the November 14 poll, if allowed to happen, will result in the destruction of the rule of law. The elections will intensify the power struggle. The law enforcement officials will not do their job in prosecuting agitators. Should the agitators secure the election victory, they will succeed in forming the New Thai State.
3. The hasty move to hold fresh elections will likely undermine the opportunity to push for social and political reforms. The advance announcement of the poll date is a selfish decision made by the prime minister who wants to avert his crisis instead of solving the problems faced by the country.
4. The decision to hold fresh elections is indicative of a secret deal worked out between the government and the Thaksin Shinawatra regime. The deal might include a pledge to assist in easing Thaksin's legal predicament and pardoning his cohorts in exchange for his promise to quit politics for good.
5. The terrorist movement has not disbanded following the unveiling of the road map for reconciliation. This should be the reason for the prime minister to suspend the road map and ensure the strict law enforcement in order to restore normalcy.
6. The red shirts have shown their reckless disregard for human lives. The prime minister must enforce the law in order to bring culprits to justice, otherwise he should resign in order to make way for a new leader.