- Unofficial Translation –

Statement by H.E. the Prime Minister of Thailand

on the Current Political Situation

delivered on 28 November 2013 at 13.45 hrs.

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Dear respected fellow citizens,

Pursuant to the political assembly, with protests and occupation of certain government offices, reported in the news as is widely known;

I would like to assure my fellow citizens, including foreign friends who are concerned about the situation, that this Government under my leadership, which is a government rightfully elected in accordance with the system of democracy with the King as Head of State, has treated the protesters with leniency to prevent the situation from escalating to the level of violence and causing casualties, as had happened in the past.

Nonetheless, the fact that the Government has employed peaceful methods does not mean that the Government is unable to administer the country or to enforce the law to ensure peace and order. To date, the administration of government and enforcement of the law are still ongoing for the full benefit of the people.  Even though the provision of public services for the people by some agencies may have been affected, causing some inconveniences, the Government has prepared a contingency plan to provide services adequately and comprehensively. I am confident that the majority of civil servants, regardless of the different political views they may hold, are well aware of their duties to the institutions of the Nation, Religion and the Monarchy, and will continue to carry out their duties in order to maintain efficiency for the benefit of the people and the nation.

At the same time, the Government does not wish to play political games, as we believe that political games will set the country back economically, socially and in terms of foreign confidence.

The Government is willing to listen to the proposals and demands of all groups who are assembled and still occupying government offices. However, the protesters’ demand for the establishment of a “People’s Assembly” cannot be implemented under the provisions of the present Constitution.

Therefore, I would like to reaffirm once again that I have the sincere intention to bring about cooperation for dialogue, in order to seek a solution for the country and to end the current political conflict which has persisted for a long time and caused enough damage to the country. In this regard, I would like to propose that the protesters end their rallies and give back the government offices to allow the functioning of government to continue.  I will open a dialogue forum because the Government does not want confrontation but is ready to cooperate with stakeholders in finding an approach to establish a problem-solving process that is acceptable to all sides.

Respected fellow citizens,

The following period is a time for all Thais to unite in honour of His Majesty the King on the occasion of His Birthday Anniversary by following His Majesty’s words to “love one another and be united”, in order to pay tribute to our dearly beloved monarch.

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