The government has shut the door on Thaksin Shinawatra’s offer to engage in dialogue after his statements casting doubt over the government’s attempts to return Thailand to civilian rule.

Senior officials said the main reason they declined the meeting is that the former prime minister, who escaped a 2008 court ruling over abuse of power while serving as premier, is a convict, and as a result is in no position to initiate negotiations with lawmakers.

Read more: Bangkok Post