The Secretary General of
the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, has
announced plans to hold a mass rally on 22 December 2013 in Bangkok.
The PDRC’s Secretary
General planned to march around Bangkok distributing leaflets to invite people
to join the mass rally. The march began on 19 December 2013 and will continue
until 20 December before the mass rally on 22 December.
On 19 December, the
protestors marched from Ratchadamnoen to the Sukhumvit area via Phetchaburi and
Asok. On 20 December, the protestors will march from the protest venue to Silom
via Yaowarat. 21 December will be a rest day for them.
Mr. Suthep urged all local
administrative organizations to provide amenities and refreshments for those
travelling from the provinces.
PDRC asked diplomats from
various countries to observe the Ratchadamnoen rally site on 18 December,
during which PDRC explained its "reform before election" demand to
the diplomats and asked them to visit the rally sites of the Dhamma Army and
the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister
Yingluck Shinawatra on 18 December delivered a statement concerning the ongoing
political situation.
In the statement, she said,
“As I already stated that I must remain on duty as Prime Minister until the
elections are completed and a Prime Minister is newly elected to continue my
duties. I would like to explain the reasons once again as follows:
“1. In discharging its
duties, the Cabinet must adhere to the principle of collective responsibility
in the administration of state affairs. In view of the Royal Decree Dissolving
the House of Representatives, the responsibility of the Cabinet to discharge
its duties subsists until a new Cabinet is sworn in so as to provide continuity
in the administration of state affairs pursuant to Articles 171 and 181 of the
Constitution.
“2. That I, as Prime
Minister, submitted for Royal Assent the dissolving of the House of
Representatives, once the Royal Decree is in effect, I consider it my duty to
abide by such Royal Command to the fullest extent of my capabilities, which is
to cooperate with the Election Commission in holding the elections as scheduled
on 2 February 2014 in a transparent, free and fair manner with the utmost
orderliness.
“3. Having stated this does
not mean that I refuse to resign or that I am attached to my position. I am
willing to listen to the voice of the people, both the majority and the
minority, but this must be in accordance with the bounds of the democratic
regime of government with the King as Head of State and under the rule of law.”
(thailand.prd.go.th)