Gist of Interview by

Dr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

 on “Funtong” TV Programme, NBT Channel 11

Friday, December 6, 2013 at 20:30 – 21:00 hrs.

1.  The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that he was assigned by the Prime Minister to serve as Head of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) because the Prime Minister had other important matters to attend to in order to keep the country moving forward.  As the protest situation is of interest to the international community, timely and accurate dissemination of information is needed.

2.  The working system of CAPO has been adjusted to improve coordination among the government agencies concerned.  To achieve this objective, four new working groups have been established under the supervision of CAPO, namely: 1) the working group on strategy, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; 2) the working group on legal affairs, chaired by the Minister of Justice; 3) the working group on information, chaired by the Minister of ICT; and 4) the working group on citizens’ welfare chaired by the Minister of Interior.

3.  As Chairman of the working group on strategy, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has the responsibility of planning and coordinating with all government agencies concerned to provide accurate information to the public, so that they know the facts on the protest situation and the practices of the police, which comply with international standards.

4.  From now on, CAPO will meticulously collect evidence and photos of all events, and invite the foreign media to record the protest situation at the sites so they can report the facts to the international community.  The international community is worried about the protest situation and has urged all sides to use utmost restraint to avoid loss of life and injury, which is consistent with the Prime Minister’s policy.

5.  At present, there have been acts by a third party, which cannot as yet be identified, to instigate violence in order to aggravate the situation and draw more protesters. To look after the welfare and protect the lives of the people, the Government has increased the number of patrols in the protest areas.  The Government also uses cameras, hidden and mobile, and will request the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to utilize its city-wide CCTV system to record pictures of the instigators of violence so that they may be brought to justice.

6.  On the legal front, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, the leader of the protests, has been issued a court warrant on the charge of insurrection, according to Section 113 of the Criminal Code. Meanwhile, supporters or accomplices of Mr. Suthep are in violation of Section 114 of the Criminal Code, an offense punishable by 3 – 15 years in prison.  For this reason, any individuals, organizations, and media (Blue Sky Channel) that aid or abet Mr. Suthep may be charged with violation of section 114.  CAPO will collect all evidence and take legal action accordingly.

7.  The legal action and issuance of arrest warrants for the supporters and accomplices of Mr. Suthep do not represent the use of force, but enforcement of the law.  Those charged have the right to defend themselves in a court of law.  This measure is to deter additional offenders.

8.  In the personal view of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, CAPO is not in a position to negotiate with Mr. Suthep since he has been charged with insurrection. Any discussion with him at this point may be construed as a violation of the law. Dialogue could take place only after Mr. Suthep turns himself in.

9.  At this time, the Internal Security Act should be sufficient for the situation. There is yet no need to invoke the Emergency Decree.

10.  Mr. Suthep’s demands cannot be realized under the present Constitution.  It is not based on democratic principles and is unacceptable to the international community.  The current protest is an impediment to the development of the country. It has disrupted the operations of government agencies and public services, as well as substantially damaging the economy.  The protesters should heed the national interest. The government is aware of and understands the protesters’ views, and stands ready to work with them to find a solution together.

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