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The joint committee groups the Board of Trade, Thai Bankers Association and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The media were represented by the Thai Journalist Association, National Press Council of Thailand, Confederation of Thai Journalists, Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and Thailand Cable TV Association.

Twatchai Yongkittikul, secretary-general of the Thai Bankers Association, said the associations are worried about a global recession next year, which would severely hurt Thailand. They were also concerned the new government might not be able to handle the economic problems.

The first proposal urged the judicial system to end the political conflict. All wrongdoers must be prosecuted and they must follow the law.

The second called for all parties in charge of forming the government to make the national interest their top priority. The prime minister and other ministers must be capable of tackling the problems.

Third, all parties must be thorough in forming the new government. The process could take time but it is better than rushing in without taking into account the magnitude of the problems.

Last, due to the political and economic crises, all parties must lend their support to dealing with the problems. The committee will join hands with the media associations as well as other sectors of the community.

Tanit Sorat, deputy secretary-general of the FTI, said the economic ministers needed to be acceptable to foreigners.

Plus, they have to be able to respond to the global recession and restore confidence as soon as possible because businesses in 2009 are expected to earn less profit and face tight liquidity.

"It is believed that half of all tourists will disappear in the coming year, while exports will face a tough future following the global recession," he said.

Nattaya Chetchotiros, president of the Thai Journalist Association, said they would cooperate with other social sectors to find solutions for the country because the crisis was not expected to end soon.

FTI chairman Santi Vilassakdanont admitted the proposal to let other parties lead the government's formation may not be warmly welcomed.

"This is just a proposal from the business community, he insisted. Businessmen hoped some parties would switch sides, as keeping the coalition intact would invite resistance, guaranteeing the return of the old ministers. We don't take sides with any party. In the past, we refrained from commenting as the government was led by a party that won the majority (in Parliament).

"However, we should give it a try. In the democratic system, if the majority party can't rule, the minority party is allowed to take the lead." he said.