In an apparent attempt to resolve the political dilemma over the snap election, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Tuesday that the April 2 poll could be postponed, but the opposition responded with "it's too late."

Thaksin told reporters that he is willing to meet with opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. "Whatever date the election will be held is up to the Election Commission. I am ready to talk to the opposition leader."

"If the political parties do not want to participate in the election and the date is the condition, I am willing to cooperate," he said.

"I am ready to do anything, just tell me what you want. I'm willing to cooperate but we all need to work under the constitution," Thaksin said.

However, the Democrat Party's spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said that "for us, it's too late, and it just shows how Thaksin is desperate to hold an election."

Thaksin's change of mind came a day after three opposition parties -- Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon -- agreed to boycott the snap election.

Earlier, Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai Party had insisted that the snap election was set at an appropriate date following the House dissolution last week.

Meanwhile, caretaker Education Minister Jaturon Chaisaeng said the idea to postpone the snap election was discussed in Tuesday's cabinet meeting.

"Deputy Prime Minister Wisanu Kruengam and government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee are assigned to supply details," Jaturon said.

In order to defuse the present political crisis, Jaturon said, the government will try to convince the opposition parties to field their candidates for the snap election.
 
"The attempt to convince the opposition may take time. As the election date is approaching, maybe a postponement is an appropriate choice," he said.

Thai Rak Thai is ready to compete in the election whenever the date is set.

The three opposition parties have announced that they will start visiting their constituents on Tuesday to explain the reasons behind the boycott.

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2006)