(Unofficial Translation)

Dear fellow Thai citizens,

            From 31^st October until now, it has been over a month since the conflict situation arose, putting Thailand in a critical state. The Government wishes to express its regret and apologize to the Thai people for the events that have caused them concern and anxiety.  The Government has tried its utmost to prevent violent incidents, and has always been ready to open a forum to listen to the proposals of the protesters. However, such proposals, be it the establishment of a People’s Council or requesting a Prime Minister under Section 7 [of the Constitution], have no provisions to support them under the present Constitution and it is unclear how to operationalize them. There are no laws that would serve as a basis for such actions. Academic debate continues on the issue, but to date has not reached a conclusion acceptable to all sides. I would like to inform my fellow citizens that the Government stands ready to dissolve the House if it is indeed the wish of the majority of the people. This must be done in accordance with the law, that is, when the House is dissolved, an election must be held within 60 days as stipulated by the law and under fair rules. But if the protesters and a major political party do not respond to or accept the outcome of the election, it would only prolong the conflict, as was the case in 2006 (B.E. 2549), when a political party boycotted the election, creating a political vacuum that culminated in the coup d'état. The Government, therefore, proposes the setting up of a forum to discuss the proposals of the protesters. If a conclusion cannot be reached, the Government proposes a referendum so that a majority of the Thai people may make the decision with a view to arriving at an electoral approach that is fair and just, and lead to consensus amongst all political parties, protesters and all sectors of society so as to accept the decision of the people according to the rules in order to truly resolve and put an end to the conflict.

Fellow Thai Citizens,

             I wish to reaffirm that I have no attachment to my position. I would be pleased to dissolve the House or to resign, provided one can be sure that it is a genuine way out and can put an end to the conflict to allow the country to move forward. It must be ascertained that such proposals are indeed by the majority of people. Khun Suthep’s proposal – which has always insisted that neither a House dissolution nor my resignation would be acceptable, but only a return of power to the people without an election – is a novelty and it remains inconclusive whether it adheres to democratic principles. For a government to run the country without going through a democratic electoral process is a major issue that affects the country’s image and international confidence. If the proposal were to be carried out, the Thai people must be consulted on whether it is truly the wish of the majority of the country. Calling a referendum is a method that is legally provided for under the Constitution. Lastly, I firmly believe that all of us are equally loyal to His Majesty the King and love our country. In order to avoid damaging the country any further, I would like to see all of us turn to each other to resolve the problems together. This Monday, the Government will gladly listen to the proposals of the protesters to deliberate and find a way out together. There will therefore be no losers, but all of us, including our country, will be winners.

Thank you.

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