Thai poll panel offers to mediate between opposing sides

Thailand's Election Commission (EC) has offered to act as a mediator between the caretaker government and anti-government protesters, as it prepares for re-elections in April.

"Both parties need to take a step back, sit down and talk things out," the Bangkok Post Thursday quoted EC Chairman Supachai Somcharoen as saying.

The EC was not part of the current political conflict and would like to mediate talks, Supachai said, adding dialogue remains the best way to solve the conflict.

In April, when re-elections would be held for polling stations blocked by protesters during Jan 26 advance voting and Feb 2 general elections, the situation in the country would improve, the EC chairman said.