The Prime Minister spoke to the press today about the ongoing protest situation, calling on all parties to engage in dialogue to find a solution for the country.  She said she was open to any proposal within the bounds of the law, and did not have her mind set against the idea of resignation or House dissolution if it would restore peace and bring the situation back to normal.  She said it was necessary to protect government offices to continue providing public services to people all over the country.

Today (2 December 2013) at 13:30 hrs. at Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, delivered a statement to the media about the current protest situation. She said that “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.”

“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,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said, “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.”

She 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.

The Prime Minister said 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 that “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 the foreign community can rest assured that there will be no violence as had happened in the past.