BANGKOK: The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Thursday declared a roadmap to propel the country towards democracy in three stages.

NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari said the NCPO called a video-conference with government officials at central and provincial levels to issue them policies.

He said they were informed about the roadmap, which would be implemented in three stages.

In the first stage, the country will be run under special law.

The second stage is the preparation period for a new charter, a reform council and a legislative council.

The third stage will see the country geared towards full democracy with an election.

The officials were informed that every sector would be allowed to participate in managing budgets in accordance with priorities, urgency and equality principles, especially projects that address public grievances.

They were instructed not to create debts beyond legal limits.

Winthai said the NCPO would monitor the media to prevent public misunderstanding after it suspected that some media outlets might have been politically motivated in reporting that the NCPO had not released all United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Those released include UDD chairman Jatuporn Promphan, Nuttawut Saikuar, Virakarn Musigapong, Weng Tojirakarn and Thida Tavonseth.

On Friday, the army will hold a fair to promote reconciliation at a housing estate opposite a Red Guard radio station in Pathum Thani. The event offered free food and drink and entertainment as well as a host of activities.

NCPO chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha last week instructed the Army to establish reconciliation centres across the country to resolve differences between colour-coded political factions.

FRIENDLY GATHERING

The army, meanwhile, yesterday called a meeting between yellow and red-shirt leaders in Chiang Mai with the aim of encouraging the opposing groups to compromise on their political views.

Attending the meeting were red-shirt leaders Kritsanapong Prombungram, leader of a group called Rak Chiang Mai 51, Pichit Tamul and Sriwan Chanpong. Yellow-shirt leaders at the meeting included Akachai Wilaiwan, Chiang Mai branch head for the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Maj-General Sarayuth Rangsi, commander of the 33rd Military Circle led the meeting, which took place at Gawila Army Camp in Chiang Mai.

On Satirday, a fair will be chaired by Maj-General Kookiat Srinaka, commander of the Second Infantry Battalion, featuring musical performances, free hair-cutting and medical services, food and drink.

Joining members of the public at the event will be officers from Khu Kot Police Station, government officials from Khu Kot municipality and staff from local hospitals. – The Nation/ANN