Summary of Prime Minister’s Interview with CNN (29 Nov 2013)

·        The Government is in control of the situation and is able to provide public services.  Much of the protests are symbolic and non-violent.  Therefore, the Government will not confront them but rather use peaceful and legal means to deal with unlawful acts by protestors. We will be patient and let the police handle the situation step-by-step in line with international practices.

·        We are open to peaceful dialogue with protestors although some of their conditions are unclear such as the suggested “Council of the People”.  Call for elections might not solve the problem, particularly if protestors are asking for a different political model. 

·        This Government came from the elections and the people, so we are prepared to have peaceful dialogue based on respect for democracy and rule of law.  How we proceed will be based on promoting democracy and rule of law.

·        This is not a matter of having a winner or loser, but we need to win for the country.

·        Message to international community: hope that people will support Thailand and return of peaceful situation.  We support freedom of expression but please do not do anything unlawful. Our actions in dealing with protestors will be peaceful and based on international practices.