Thai government ready to talk with Red Shirts' leaders

Mr Suthep said that the government is ready to hold talks with the Red Shirts, particularly with one of its core leaders, Veera Musikhapong, on the condition that he must first get an approval from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is seen as the de facto leader of the Red Shirts' political movement.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that while the government is open to discussions, Mr Thaksin must first show a clear stance.

However, Mr Suthep added it would not be possible for a national government to be set up with UDD core leaders being included in it.

Meanwhile, UDD supporters on Wednesday afternoon submitted a letter to the United States embassy in Bangkok, asking it to explain Mr Suthep's reported remark that foreign governments, including the US, warned the government of possible sabotage after their intelligence units wiretapped former prime minister Thaksin's telephone conversations.

UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan and a number of academics handed over the letter to the embassy on Withayu Road. About 100 police guarded the compound to ensure security.

An embassy official accepted the letter and said the US was not duty-bound to make any clarification, which should be made by Mr Suthep himself, said Mr Jatuporn.

Mr Suthep has denied naming any country, including the US.