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Briefing by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs,

9 December 2013

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us so early on a Monday morning.

The reason we have invited you here is two-fold: to give you an update on the Government’s efforts to resolve the ongoing political unrest, and to let you see for yourself the Government’s commitment to a peaceful approach in dealing with the situation.

Excellencies,

A few days ago, Mr. Suthep announced that today, December 9, will be the “final war” against the government. We are pleased to note that he pledged to conduct his campaign by peaceful means. And we all hope that that will be the case.

Meanwhile, The Prime Minister in her speech yesterday reaffirmed that the Government has exercised the utmost restraint in responding to the protests.

The Government has gone as far as it could to try to accommodate the demands of the PDRC, while remaining within the framework of the Constitution.

To find a way out, the Prime Minister has proposed a referendum, which is possible under the Constitution. We hope that the PDRC will accept the proposal. We do not wish to see even one more casualty of this political conflict. To continue the protests would only worsen the problems and deepen the political divide. That is why we must all work together to find a solution that is constitutionally acceptable.

In another development, yesterday afternoon the Democratic Party decided to resign en masse from Parliament. You will recall that they went down this path before and we all know the ensuing consequences which are still being felt in the Thai society today.

I therefore wish to repeat once more that the Government is willing to consider all options to find a way out, as long as they are consistent with the Constitution.

Excellencies,

I indicated earlier that Mr. Suthep has pledged to employ peaceful means in the protests today. Nonetheless, we cannot help but be concerned that it is possible that certain groups may instigate incidents to aggravate the situation. The Government is therefore doing everything it can to prevent any outbreak of violence.

In this regard, we have here with us a representative of the national police bureau who will give further details.

In this connection, we wish to be transparent and above-board about what we are doing. At a time when so much false information is being spread, we would like you to be able to observe first-hand the Government’s preparations in handling the situation. We hope to show you the extent of the Government’s commitment to both preventing and refraining from violence.

Following this briefing, the CAPO has arranged an optional visit to Government House. You will notice that the policemen there are unarmed. You may also see closed circuit television cameras there, as well as at protest sites. These cameras will record and compile visual evidence of any crimes committed, so that legal action may be taken later. TV channels 9 and 11 will also be on hand throughout the day to provide live reports from Government House, with live feeds from the CCTV cameras as appropriate.

Excellencies,

I believe you have seen that the Government has gone the extra mile and is willing to consider all options, including a proposed referendum, as long as they are within the bounds of the Constitution. The current situation is not in the interest of the country as a whole and now is the time for all sides to turn towards each other in order to find a way out in the interest of the Thai nation in a way that upholds democracy and the democratic institutions. 

I hope our friends in the international community understand what we are trying to do and will continue to be supportive of our very patient efforts to resolve the situation peacefully through constitutional means.

The Permanent Secretary would give more details of the Prime Minister’s Statement yesterday. After that, I will be pleased to take any questions you may have.

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