The Permanent Secretary for
Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, held a briefing for members of the
diplomatic corps and international organizations on the current situation,
particularly the Cabinet decision to invoke the Emergency Decree on the Public
Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005).
The briefing was held on 22
January 2014 in response to concerns within the diplomatic community regarding
the situation, and their need to advise capitals, as well as nationals
travelling through or residing in Thailand.
The Permanent Secretary
explained that the Cabinet decision was based on the recommendation of the
Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) that with the recent
incidents of violence, the situation could worsen especially in the lead up to
the elections if steps were not taken. The Cabinet, based on CAPO’s
recommendation, therefore, decided to invoke the Emergency Decree.
The Center for Maintaining Peace
and Order (CMPO) had been established to replace CAPO. The Director is Minister
of Labor Chalerm Ubumrung. The Deputy Directors are the Police
Commissioner-General, Police General Adul Sangsingkeaw, and the Permanent
Secretary for Defense, General Nipat Thonglek.
The Permanent Secretary
emphasized that only powers under Article 11 had been invoked under the current
Decree and not those under Article 9 (Article 9 included banning of protests,
limitations on freedom of movement and the media, and the imposition of
curfews. There is no plan whatsoever to disperse the protests.)
Under the Decree, the police
will take the lead in ensuring enhanced security with the military providing a
supporting role. The Decree is meant as a deterrent. There shall be no use of
force. The Government will continue to exercise utmost in dealing with the
protests.
On the necessity of invoking the
Emergency Decree without invoking the powers under Article 9, the Permanent
Secretary said there was concern that there could be more incidents. This was a
preemptive measure so that security personnel could better deal with future
situations, especially in the lead-up to the elections.
On the impact of the elections
on the Emergency Decree, the Permanent Secretary said that the Government could
still proceed with holding the elections, with the intention to ensure a fair
election. The measure was taken in anticipation of whatever situation may arise
later on.
On whether there would be any
changes in the way the protests are handled, the Permanent Secretary replied
that utmost restraint will continue to be exercised by the police and all
security personnel involved. The use of force will be avoided at all costs.
On whether the Government would
give warning if the Decree were to be strengthened in the future, the Permanent
Secretary responded that the added power under the Decree would only be used as
commensurate with the situation and in a judicious manner. If more powers were
to be invoked in the future, it would be done within the bounds of the law.
On whether there were plans to
censor the media, the Permanent Secretary said that no censorship had been
contemplated. Although there was concern that some reporting seemed aimed at
inciting divisiveness and propagated hate speech, only powers under Article 11
had been invoked. Censorship of the media, contained in Article 9, had not been
invoked. There was no plan to censor the media at this time.
(thailand.prd.go.th)