Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations Briefed
on Invocation of Internal Security Act B.E. 2551 (2008)

            On 5 August 2013, Mr. Julapong Nonsrichai, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Police Colonel Anucha Romayanan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), gave a briefing for the diplomatic corps and international organizations on  the Cabinet’s decision on 31 July 2013 to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) B.E. 2551 (2008) and related developments, gist as follows:

1.   On 2 August 2013, the Prime Minister delivered a statement offering a solution proposal for Thailand. She emphasized that the Government was fully committed to national reconciliation and open to dialogue with all groups. The Government respects the people’s right to peaceful assembly and does not object to the holding of demonstrations, as long as they are peaceful, do not infringe on the rights of others, and are exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

2.   As a preventive measure to maintain law and order during the demonstrations and to prevent any possible escalation into violence, on 31 July 2013, the Cabinet approved the invocation of the ISA in three districts of Bangkok (Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pomprap Sattrupai) from 1 – 10 August 2013. Any measures taken by the Government will be exercised in accordance with the rule of law and international standards, in an appropriate and transparent manner, and with utmost restraint. The Government will also do its utmost to ensure that the general public can carry on with their daily lives as usual.

3.   The Prime Minister has proposed a way to find a constructive solution by inviting representatives from all groups and stakeholders to participate in brainstorming forums that will be inclusive and seek a sustainable solution for the country to move forward. High-ranking representatives of the Government have already started approaching the various groups concerned. It is envisaged that after the discussion, a mechanism for political reform will be set up in the form of a working group or otherwise as appropriate.

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6 August 2013