Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has agreed in principle with a proposal to set up an independent organisation for national reform, while calling on protesters not to shut down Bangkok during the New Year's period.

She expressed agreement with the national reform proposals from seven private sector organisations on December 24.

Thongthong Chantharangsu, permanent secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister, was assigned to compile the proposals from every party that engaged in various discussions about the reform.

If the proposals could fit into a certain pathway, then it could be carried out within a year.

Yingluck also asked the protesters not to shut down the capital, saying doing so during the holiday season would not bode well for people's happiness and would also affect the country's economy.-VNA