Members of the pro-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship march to Makkhawan Rangsan bridge, a key protest site of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy.
PAD members trade insults with UDD rivals before they clash near Makkhawan Rangsan bridge.
Action plan to solve conflict - but only if Samak steps down / Army chief reluctant to use state of emergency powers / PM insists decree is best way to restore law and order
People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core member Sondhi Limthongkul yesterday showed the first signs of a compromise to end the political stand-off.
Tensions were heightened by a fatal clash yesterday between rival protesters and the imposition of the state of emergency.
The possibility of a solution came after army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, who has been appointed to head a committee to enforce the government's emergency decree, denied adopting tough measures to disperse PAD demonstrators from Government House.
In an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr Sondhi said he was contemplating a four-point compromise as the political situation appeared at a dead end.
However, he stressed that the proposal would be viable only after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej stepped down from office.
According to Mr Sondhi, the government must promise not to amend the charter in its favour; to observe the Constitution Court's order regarding Preah Vihear temple; to suspend all mega-projects; and to commit itself to political reforms and increased public participation in politics.
"They must accept the four-point demand - and only if the prime minister is either Somchai Wongsawat or Surapong Suebwonglee," said Mr Sondhi.
He also said the emergency decree would backfire on Mr Samak, as the army chief, who has been granted control over Bangkok, is unwilling to use the power.
He said Mr Samak was likely to resign in the next few days.
At Government House, the rally continued in defiance of the state of emergency, prompted by the clash which left one dead and 43 others injured.
The dead man was identified as UDD member Narongsak Krobthaisong, 55, according to the Narenthorn Emergency Response Centre.
Gen Anupong told a press conference after a meeting between senior military and police officers that officials would not exercise powers granted by the emergency decree to end PAD demonstration.
"Negotiations will be used in ending the problem, not simply the force of law," he said.
"If the people are united, the army is one with the people. When the people are divided, there is no place for the army. The army has to find an acceptable way out for the divided camps, and without any losses."
He said unarmed military and police personnel would maintain law and order.
"Only legal and democratic means should be used to solve the stand-off. Legislative branch or parliament should be responsible to end this problem," he said.
Mr Samak defended his decision to impose the state of emergency, saying he carefully consulted all parties concerned for two hours before announcing the decree.
He said the decree would not be enforced for a long period, but gave no time frame as to when it would be lifted.
Mr Samak said he considered the decree to be the best and most gentle measure to restore law and order, even though it could cause some trouble for people.
"I do this to douse the fire. When it is done, everything will return to normal. People went about their business as usual until last night's incident. I had to use the instruments at my disposal. It will only be enforced for a short while," Mr Samak said.
The declaration of the state of emergency has triggered calls for Mr Samak to resign.
Academics, media outlets and civil groups issued statements, calling on the premier to quit.
However, a group of Thammasat University lecturers broke ranks and demanded a House dissolution instead.
Somkiat Pongpaiboon, another PAD core member, said the alliance would not negotiate with Gen Anupong or any other individual or group appointed by the government.
News from www.bangkokpost.com
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