(unofficial translation)

Prime Minister’s Statement on the Current Political Situation in Thailand

delivered on 25 November 2013 at 21.30 hrs.

Dear respected fellow citizens,

                        Today I would like to explain further about today’s protest situation whereby the protesters have escalated their protest which had earlier been a peaceful protest.  The Government respects the freedom and self-expression in the assembly of all the various groups, but has not neglected to enforce the law in order to maintain peace and order and the country’s security, to protect the public’s convenience and safety in utilizing public areas and government services.

However, it appears that today groups of protesters have spread out the protests by using the force of people to pressure and encircle government offices such as the Ministry of Finance, the Bureau of the Budget, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government Public Relations Department, using force to destroy gates and enter government premises, and cutting off electricity and water to disable the performance of official functions, causing trouble for the broader public and affecting national security.

                        The situation which occurred is considered to be a situation that affects public peace and order and government offices in providing public services.  Therefore, it is necessary for the Government to enforce the law to preserve the administration of the state, especially the safeguarding of official property, the people’s normal and peaceful way of life, including safety of life and property, as well as the protection of rights, freedoms, peace and order, and the common good. This makes it highly necessary for the Government to invoke the Internal Security Act B.E. 2551 (2008) in Bangkok; Nonthaburi Province; Samut Prakan Province, specifically, Bang Phli District; and Pathum Thani Province, specifically, Lad Lum Kaew District.

                        Even though the Government has invoked the said law, I would like to affirm that the Government will strictly refrain from using violence against fellow citizens and will proceed with everything according to steps that comply with international standards in the enforcement of the law.  I would like to ask all state officials carrying out official business to fulfill their duties together in order to facilitate the public and provide continuous service to them.  I would also like to lend them moral support for successfully carrying out their official duties.

                        I ask my fellow citizens not to provide support for protests that violate the law and not to believe rumours.  Please cooperate with officials in operations to maintain the law so that the situation may quickly return to normal.  I ask those with opposing views to use the parliamentary means of a censure debate, which is considered to be a mechanism under the democratic system with the King as Head of State.  I also request that all sides respect the principle of the legal state.  In any case, the Government reaffirms its intention to discuss and to listen constructively to the views of every side in order to bring about peace and reconciliation amongst the people of the country.

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