Thai Prime Minister told the World Economic Forum on East Asia that his country is swiftly moving forward after the disruptions of the violent opposition protests in April and May.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of Thailand yesterday told the 19th World Economic Forum on East Asia in Viet Nam that his country is swiftly moving forward after the disruptions of the violent opposition protests in April and May.

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“I am open to have early elections, but those elections must be helpful to reconciliation,”he said.

In a special update session on Thailand, moderated by Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, the Prime Minister called on everyone in Thailand, including the Red Shirt protesters, to engage with the government in its efforts towards national reconciliation.

If the opposition joins in most of the issues concerning the constitution, the media, and the divisions in society can be settled, he said.

But he was firm on bringing to account the protesters who in his view were responsible for the violence that erupted in May.

“Everybody needs to follow the law.” “No person can be above the law.”

Abhisit said the fundamentals of Thailand’s economy remain strong, noting that first-quarter GDP growth was a robust 12 per cent, which stood at achieved against a backdrop of opposition protests in March.

Abhisit also said yesterday he was reshuffling his cabinet, seeking to shore up his hold on power after deadly street protests and a rift in his fragile ruling coalition.

The eight new ministers have been endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and will be sworn in today.

The reshuffle is to give the government unity and enable it to “keep on working”, Abhisit said.

Source: VNS