Thailand’s Supreme Commander Thanasak Patimaprakorn on January 19 called on the Government and protesters to sit down and seek an end to the current political crisis in the country.

Thanasak argued that both sides should seek a satisfactory solution without delay, describing the country as a cancer patient in desperate need of intensive treatment.

Without dialogue, there will be no way to address the current situation, Thanasak said.

Thanasak also appealed both sides to make sacrifices for the sake of the nation, while calling for any organisation in the country to act as a neutral mediator between the Government and protesters.

The military leader, however, admitted that there is a difficulty to name a mediator who is acceptable to both sides.

Meanwhile, on January 18, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she viewed an election as the only solution to the situation

The "Bangkok Shutdown" movement started on January 13, aiming to paralyse the capital and force Yingluck to step down.

On January 14, Yingluck reiterated her refusal to quit despite protesters trying to topple her administration by blocking key roads in the heart of Bangkok for a second day.

The “Bangkok Shutdown” campaign is scheduled to last for 20 days, also seeking to stop the upcoming general election, which is slated for February 2.

It is estimated to be costing the national economy around 1.25 billion USD.

Since the anti-government demonstration broke out on October 31, eight people have been killed and many others injured.-VNA