Prime Minister Abhisit asked for cooperation for rallies to remain peaceful and dismissed coup rumours

In his weekly television programme on 14 March 2010, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva commented on a number of issues pertaining to the current situation in Bangkok.

The Prime Minister noted that the situation over the past two days since demonstrators had started their rallies in Bangkok had been peaceful, and the demonstrations orderly. The number of demonstrators that gathered along Radjadamnern Avenue overnight did not exceed the Government's estimation.

Recapping the Thai government's approach and action in handling the demonstrations, the Prime Minister emphasised that the Government respects people's rights to peaceful assembly held in accordance with the law, and that it has no intention whatsoever of using violent means against the protestors. The invocation of the Internal Security Act, B.E. 2551 (2008) is intended to prevent unwarranted occurrences so that the public can carry on with their normal ways of life and to enable state officials to resolve it in a timely manner and on the basis of the existing laws, should any disturbing situation occur. Measures implemented such as the setting up of checkpoints are intended to ensure the safety of the public, including of the demonstrators themselves as some intelligence reports indicate that there could be certain elements who might exploit the situation and attempt to instigate disturbances. The checkpoints are not aimed at stopping people from joining the rallies. Be that as it may, should protesters cross the line established by the Administrative Court as to what constitutes peaceful assembly under the Constitution, such as by inciting violence or attempting to blockade government buildings or key locations, including airports, security officers would take action in a step-by-step manner in accordance with international standards, to resolve such a situation. The Prime Minister also gave assurances that security officers are well-trained and understand their modus operandi in how to handle demonstrations.

Meanwhile, coordination between the Government and the demonstrators has continued. Mr. Korbsak Sabhavasu, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, has been liaising with Dr. Weng Tojiranond, one of the protest leaders. Thus far, the Government has endeavoured to accommodate as much as possible the wish of the demonstrators, such as by allowing those who insist in bringing their vehicles into the city to be able to do so despite earlier restrictions and changing security personnel guarding major protest areas from the military to police officers so as to alleviate the demonstrators' concerns. Likewise, cooperation has been sought from the demonstrators to allow police officers to conduct weapon searches and to facilitate the Government's contact with leaders of different protest groups, particularly those who, in the past, were associated with the use of violence.

Prime Minister Abhisit also urged the public to remain calm, vigilant and to notify officials of any suspicious activities. He also urged them to use their judgment in listening to rumours which have been spread through various media, including on-line ones. As for rumours that the Government is preparing to use the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation, B.E. 2548 (2005), the Prime Minister said that law could be used only when warranted, such as during the riots last April. Were it to be used, he stressed, measures to be undertaken must also be in accordance with international standards. As for rumours about a coup d'etat, he reaffirmed his opposition to a coup, noting that a coup is not a solution to any problem and would not benefit anyone. The Government and the armed forces are working closely together and no one wants to see a coup. While military and police officers, like the general public, may have different political views, they work with professionalism and share the Government's objective of working in the interest of the public. Had the Government tried to harm the people, the police and armed forces would not have rendered it their support.

 In this regard, the Government would continue to communicate with the public and disseminate factual information about the situation, including through the newly established website, www.capothai.org.
The Prime Minister believed that if the situation over the next few days could be handled in a peaceful and orderly manner, then the Thai people would see it as a progress of Thailand’s democracy to another level. The Government is ready to listen to the demonstrators' views and grievances, and that any scrutiny on its performance could be done within parliamentary framework. However, as for the demands that he resign and the House of Representatives be dissolved, it should be understood that this could be done, but it must be based on valid reasons. The present Government has asuumed office through constitutional means and thus has every right to govern until its term expires by the end of 2011, although given how the democratic system work, the dissolution of the House could take place.

In addition, Prime Minister Abhisit assured the public that the ongoing demonstrations had not distract the Government from other work, including addressing difficulties facing the public, such as the drought and fluctuating prices of major agricultural produces.

14 March 2010, 11.30 a.m