Open to talks but Thailand `People`s Council` unacceptable: Yingluck Shinawatra

Zee Media Bureau/Supriya Jha Bangkok: Breaking her silence after the protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban gave her a two-day ultimatum to return the power to people, Thailand PM Yingluck Shinawatra said that she was ready to do anything for peace but rejected the protesters’ demand of setting up a People’s Council, calling it unconstitutional. Also Read: Yingluck Shinawatra given 2-day ultimatum as Thai protesters call for strike Speaking in a televised press conference on Monday, she said that she was ready to open all the channels, including talks for negotiating peace, however added that implementing the protesters’ call for setting up of a People’s Council was not in accordance with the law. “If I can do anything to return peace, I`ll do it but it must done under the provision of the Constitution," Yingluck said.

"I don`t know how to implement Suthep`s call under the law. I affirm that I have opened all channels to try to find common solutions. I am open to talks all the time. I would like everybody to join in finding a solution but I can`t find one under the legal framework and the constitution," she added. Yingluck’s statement came as the protesters continued with their demonstrations on Monday, targeting key areas like the Government House, the Parliament and Metropolitan Police Headquarters. At least three people have been killed and over 100 hurt in the violnce so far, according to police. The protests grew violent as the police fired tear gas and water cannon at the stone-pelting protesters, who appeared emboldened after their leader Suthep said he won`t accept anything other than a new PM picked up by an unelected "People`s Council". The protesters allege that the current government is a puppet regime run by the PM’s brother and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. At the heart of the protests, that are the largest demonstration since 2010, lies Amnesty Bill that Yingluck`s ruling Pheu Thai party tried to get passed. The Bill might have felicitated the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by the military in 2006 in a coup. Thaksin was overthrown after being accused of corruption and abuse of power.