The foreign media have been
briefed on the current political situation in Thailand following the military
intervention and on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s envisaged
steps for the future.
The press briefing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok on
29 May 2014, with 52 foreign journalists from 33 news agencies attending. It
was given by Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Thailand, and Lieutenant General Chatchalerm Chalermsukh, Deputy
Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army.
Regarding rationale behind the actions of NCPO, this must be viewed in the
context of prevailing six months of political turmoil. Entrenched position and
irreconcilable differences have led to escalating violence. The military was
thus compelled to take control of national administration in order to provide a
cooling-off period for all sides, and to prevent further deterioration of the
situation.
On 26 May, the Head of NCPO was appointed officially by Royal Promulgation.
This act is part of the customary tradition for Thailand’s constitutional
monarch to appoint all administrative body of the country in this way. It must
be emphasized also that the monarchy is non-partisan and is therefore not
involved in, and always remain above, politics.
Concerning media freedom, both foreign and domestic journalists have been able
to travel around to cover stories and provide accurate reporting. In fact, most
terrestrial, satellite, and cable television and radio stations have been able
to resume their normal broadcasting.
Martial law and curfew are intended to restore law and order, and prevent
further untoward incidents. Above all, NCPO is exercising its administrative
power with utmost care. So far, only two out of 16 provisions from the Martial
Law Act B.E. 2457 (1914) have been applied to restore peace and order.
Regarding the summons of political leaders, a number of core leaders have been
brought together in the hope to reduce further incitement of divisions. They
have been well treated and accommodated in guest quarters. Their movements have
been restricted in order to provide for a cooling-off period. They are able to
return home within seven days from the date they report themselves to NCPO.
Concerning NCPO’s envisaged steps for the future, the priority of NCPO is to
ensure that national administration continues to function as normal hence the
Permanent Secretaries of all Ministries have been appointed to act in the
capacity of Ministers. Apart from NCPO’s focus on implementing projects related
to the livelihood and well-being of the people so as to promote social
stability, other key public policies are still in place.
Acknowledging that no country can take an isolationistic approach in this
globalized world, Thailand fully intends to continue its proactive foreign
policy in both multilateral and bilateral framework. Meanwhile, NCPO has
reaffirmed that all diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and
foreign nations remain unchanged from their latest status.
As for the roadmap to the general elections, NCPO aims to create the right
conditions for national reconciliation and push forward the reform process,
with the free and fair general elections as the final goal. Two key reform
initiatives are the establishment of the National Reconciliation Center and the
reform of the civil service.
(thailand.prd.go.th)