On 10 January 2014 at 11.00hrs HE PM held a press briefing at Royal Thai Police Headquarters. Also present at meeting was Dr.Surapong Tovichakchaikul (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Niwat Thamrong (Deputy Prime Minister), Mr. Varathep Rattanakorn (Minister attached to PMs Office), Police General Adul Sangsingkaew (Commander of Royal Thai Police), Mr. Anudith Nakorntthup (Minister for ICT ).

HE PM gave a briefing to the press about the work of the government since dissolution of House of Representatives on 9 December 2013, including developments on elections and reaction to continued antigovernment protests led by the Peoples Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). HEPM then took questions from the press in general. Gist is as follows.

1. Government has had to take on many challenges since the dissolution of the House of Representatives. Most importantly from listening to the Thai people, the Government understands that political reform is the key priority and the way forward for the country. To get started on a viable political reform process, the Government therefore calls upon any Third Party that can serve as an independent and acceptable body to conduct discussions and consultations between all stake holders, on the creation of a National Reform Council. This Third Party will work with the government, the opposition, and other relevant stakeholders to take the necessary steps to determine the content, the working methods, time frame, and objectives of the National Reform Council. Importantly once necessary political reforms have been carried out through the National Reform Council, the Government at the time will be obligated to dissolve the House of Representatives and call for new General Elections
2. HE PM further mentioned that as this is the priority for the country, it is essential to make sure that whoever wins the General Elections on 2 February 2014 continues with political reform as the priority agenda. For this HEPM has already studied many options and proposes that a way to ensure this maybe an Executive Order from the PMs Office to all political parties to pledge that the establishment of the National Reform Council as the first priority.  Nevertheless this subject will be under further consideration by legal experts.
3. HEPM stressed that if Third Party can work effectively to establish parameters of a National Reform Council, then action should be taken immediately. At the same time HE PM clarified that it has not been the intent of this Government to push for elections without reform. The Thai people have made it clear that what is needed is comprehensive reform and this will cover matters such as reforming the working methods of each ministry, reforming parliamentary processes, reforms in the electoral process, and substantive reforms across the board to eradicate corruption.  In this case the wholesale nature of reform must be approached meticulously and is unlikely to be completed before the February 2 General Elections. If substantial reform such as this can be completed before the February 2 General Election then all Thais would welcome it. But it is more practical to put our efforts towards developing genuine political reform initiatives rather than to meet a deadline.
4. On the matter of the intended ‘Shutdown’ of Bangkok by the PDRC, HE PM requested that protestors demonstrate peacefully and that all sides should be sincere in trying to work together to find a peaceful and calm approach to solving any problems. So far government agencies have been preparing to provide special assistance for the people affected by the protests.
5. HE PM further mentioned that as the country faces many challenges, the government continues to do its best in a ‘caretaker’ capacity. The Shutdown will probably diminish some confidence in the Thai economy and there are other urgent matters which require attention such as working with international partners on taxation cooperation, FTA considerations, ASEAN commitments, and comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreements – all essential matters for the Thai economy and sustainable development of the country.  This is why a fully functional government is necessary, but also one that will carry out the necessary political reforms. HE PM reiterated that she is obligated to carry out her responsibilities under the constitution as caretaker PM until a new PM is elected, and welcomes a peaceful and genuine reform process at all times.

Answers to questions from the floor.
1. On matter of postponing elections, Government has no legal basis to proceed on this matter, as date is based on Royal Decree.  If legal experts can point out an alternative way then Government shall consider accordingly.
2. Deputy PM/FM urged Thai citizens to carry on with daily activities on 13 January and the Government will do its best to alleviate any inconveniences caused by the protests. Protestors have already stated that they will do so peacefully and without weapons, and will not cause chaos for the general public. In the meantime, Police will not carry assault weapons and there will be about 20000 security personnel to provide public safety.
3. On questions about the military playing a Third Party role, HEPM conveyed that military already has a national security responsibility, while Government is willing to consider any actor that can be acceptable to all.

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