Prime Minister and Defense
Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has delivered a statement to the media about the
current protest situation.
The statement was made on 2
December 2013 at 13:30 hr at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters
in Bangkok.
in Bangkok.
She said, “In finding a
solution for the country, demands for many approaches were being made whether
for a House dissolution, resignation, or most recently, the demand of the
People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) for the ‘return of power.’ These
meant different things. The Thai people probably already know how a House
dissolution works. Resignation is also a process with procedures to have a new
Prime Minister. Both approaches – that is, House dissolution and resignation –
are under the provisions of the Constitution and have a legal basis.
Photo: FB Yingluck
Shinawatra
“However, as for the term ‘return of power’ –
those parts of the proposal I have heard – I would like to assure you that the
Government is not attached to anything. We are willing to try anything which
would let us move towards dialogue in order to bring peace to the country.
Regarding the demands of the protesters for the return of power, I have to say
that as a way to resolve the problem, we have not found a basis to support this
under the law or the Constitution because it is a return of power to the
people: the people would administer the country, including drafting laws and
new legal provisions. For this part, we still have not seen the procedures for this
to be supported by the present Constitution. Therefore, this is something we
conveyed through to Mr. Suthep [Thaugsuban].
“In actual fact, last
evening was a request. I myself requested the armed forces commanders for
discussions because we wanted to see a way for dialogue. I believe that we are
all fellow Thais. If we discuss things together, we may have an opportunity for
dialogue. I am now aware of the proposal. As I said, the term ‘return of
power’, those who demand this are saying that this goes beyond resignation or
House dissolution.
“I will not make myself a
condition or a problem for the people. If there is anything that I can do to
restore peace to the people, I will be willing to do it. But I have to ask [for
understanding] that, as Prime Minister, what I can do must be within the bounds
of the Constitution. Please understand that with respect to the demands of the
protesters, we don’t know which legal provisions to use to support them.
Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to call on all people, all
groups to discuss a solution for the country. The Government has no fixed
ideas. The Government does not seek to cling to power, but only wishes to see
peace restored for the people.”
The Prime Minister said
that as demand is for a return of power has no legal basis in the present
Constitution, consultations are needed. She therefore urged all those with
legal knowledge to discuss a way forward. At present, the Government remains
open to discussing all options at all times so that peace may prevail. On the
role of the armed forces, the Prime Minister said that they remained
neutral.
“Today, the Government has
tabled all proposals in every way. We would like to see a solution, a way
forward that is acceptable to the majority of people. There must be means for
listening to the opinions of the people of all groups. If it is the wish of the
majority of the people and can bring about peace, I would be willing,” the
Prime Minister said.
She stated that she wished
to clarify so that everyone would have the same understanding that government
offices are still open today and that all civil servants who are responsible
for administering the country and providing services for the people are still
required to work. Offices are not closed today, but there may be some
difficulties with regard to the venues, so she asked that the affected
ministries and agencies set up at a location where they may provide services to
the people without disruption. Despite such difficulties, all work has
continued. The Government is concerned about the situation, and has been trying
to ensure security, asking for the cooperation of police not to use violence
against the people.
“It is necessary to protect
government offices because these offices must remain to provide services to
more than 60 million people. Please do not shut down government offices so that
officials can work. Today, civil servants are not picking sides but they should
try to fulfill their duties in providing services to the people,” the Prime
Minister said.
“The images from the past
of people suffering, shedding blood, and losing their lives are images that no
one wants to see”, she said.
A journalist asked what the
Prime Minister would like to say to those who voted her into office if she
agrees to the demands of the protesters. The Prime Minister answered “As I
stated earlier, anything that makes all the people happy in the country is the
voice of the majority, therefore there must be procedures for listening to
opinions to see whether the majority agrees with these requests. If there is
agreement and the country can return to peace, then I would be willing.”
In reply to a question from
the foreign press, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that police officers have not
used violence in their crowd control efforts. She said that the foreign
community can rest assured that there will be no violence as had happened in
the past.
In her statement on 3
December 2013, Prime Minister Yingluck said, “Even though the situation has not
yet returned to normal, but it has improved for the better. The Government has
asked state officials including those in the police force and the army to carry
out their duties gently and without confrontation so as not to lead to violence
or casualties.
"I would like to see
the problem solved, peace restored and long-term happiness amongst the people.
Despite the existence of different views, I believe that the Thai people can
find a solution for the country.
"I would like to
invite academics, businesspeople and all professional groups as well as the
protesters to open a forum for brainstorming in order to find a solution and
move towards political reform under the system of democracy with the King as
Head of State. I hope to see open discussions which allow all sides to air
their views in order to find the best solution for the country. I would also
like to ask that the media be constructive and avoid creating animosity between
us Thais which will be a danger to the future of our children and country.
“I believe that the day of
His Majesty the King’s birthday anniversary will be another day that the Thai
people can be happy and to display unity as a blessing for the King who is
beloved and respected by all of us. I also believe that the commemoration of
the King’s birthday anniversary on the fifth of December every year is a day
that has a very special meaning for all Thais; it is a day when all of us would
be determined to perform good deeds, to be united with all our fellow Thais and
to fulfill our duties to the utmost in order to bring about lasting prosperity
in the footsteps of the King who is our leading example.”
(thailand.prd.go.th)