Thai 'Red Shirts' say would accept senate mediated talks

BANGKOK: Thailand's " Red Shirt" protesters said on Tuesday they would accept a proposal by the head of the country's senate to mediate in talks with the government to end two months of deadly street rallies.

"The Reds agree to accept the proposal by the senate speaker who wants to mediate the talks, and are ready to join from now," said Reds leader Nattawut Saikuar.

"We will not go with any conditions, the senator is free to offer any proposals and we are willing to consider them," he added.

The Reds had originally proposed UN or internationally brokered negotiations to end Thailand's escalating political crisis -- an idea swiftly rejected by the government.

Thailand's senate, in which nearly half the seats are appointed under the country's constitution, is considered independent from the government, which has not said whether it would accept the senate speaker acting as a mediator.

The Reds, who are campaigning for elections to replace the administration of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, are defying a Monday deadline to disperse from the shopping district they have occupied for two months.

Five days of clashes between protesters and security forces have left at least 38 people dead and 279 wounded.