On 10 January 2014, DPM/FM Surapong Tovichakchaikul and DPM Pongthep Thepkanjana gave interview to foreign media based in Bangkok (New York Times, AFP, AP, DPA, Reuters and The Straits Times) on the current political situation and the Government’s preparation for the so-called "shutdown" of Bangkok by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).         Gist of interview as follows: 

                1. On the Government’s intent to hold general elections on 2 Feb. 2014 despite the uncertainty of being able to convene and open the Parliament:
                   1.1 DPM Pongthep said that this Government did not draft the current Constitution. On the contrary, the drafters of the Constitution are now sitting on the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Some are now even on the PDRC stage. The Government is merely playing by the rules as the Constitution stipulates that a general election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The Government, therefore, is constitutionally bound to have a general election organized as stipulated by the Constitution.
                   1.2 DPM/FM Surapong explained that the Government, pursuant to the Constitution, cannot carry out any important tasks or take any action that would be binding upon the successive Government after the House dissolution as it is now only a caretaker Government.

              2. On the likelihood of a coup d'état:
                  DPM/FM Surapong opined that he did not think there would be a coup d' état. On this coming Monday (13 Jan), both the army and the police would be taking care of the situation in Bangkok. Combined forces of around 20,000 officers, comprising 12,000 police officers and 8,000 soldiers, are being deployed to maintain peace and security in Bangkok as well as protecting       key government agencies.

              3. On other means of forcing the Government out of power/ creating a political vacuum i.e. the disbanding of a political party by the Constitutional Court and other independent bodies:
                 DPM/FM Surapong responded that the independent bodies have been trying to dissolve the Government as it had done   so successfully in the past. It can easily be seen from   the broadcast of the Constitutional Court’s verdict that it is against the Government.
             4. On whether the Government has any defense against such decisions:
                  DPM/FM Surapong replied that the Government does not have to do much as it is democratically elected through a majority of more than 15 million votes. Those 15 millions strong who has remained silent so far to avoid confrontation with             Mr. Suthep and  the PDRC might come out if they can no longer stand the current status quo. 

              5. On whether the army will “come out” if there is violence/ and the Government’s plan to counter such attempt:
                  5.1 DPM/FM Surapong assessed that the protestors are trying to create conditions conducive to violence during the so-called shut down of Bangkok. The Government, for its part, has ordered the security personnel to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force.
                  5.2 DPM Pongthep said that the 2006 coup d' état taught a lesson to Thailand and the Army that that the international community and the Thai public do not accept coup d' état and a Government installed by the military coup d' état. Many Thai people are against the coup.

             6. On whether the Government will let the protestors gain access into and occupy government buildings:
                  DPM/FM Surapong said that the Government has taken all precautionary measures to prevent the occupation of government buildings and has set up teams to negotiate with the protestors in case of such attempt. In this regard, DPM/FM Surapong called on members of the media to take pictures/ footage of the Government’s efforts to this end.

            7. On whether the Prime Minister would be making any televised statement prior to 13 January 2014:
                 DPM/FM Surapong said that he and other DPMs would be making regular televised statements on behalf of CAPO on all channels on 13 January 2014. TV Channel 11 will be covering the events via live broadcast. The Government has established an Emergency Call Centre (1111) and a Tourist Call Centre (1155) to disseminate information to the general public regarding the planned shutdown of Bangkok.

            8. On a compromise candidate that is acceptable to both the Government and the PDRC as one of the PDRC's stated objectives is to uproot the “Thaksin regime” from Thailand:
                 DPM Pongthep opined that levying personal attacks against a particular person was counterproductive. The Government had already put forward proposals for political    reforms to ultimately be endorsed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. All sides should endeavour to undertake political reforms rather than to get caught in political rhetoric.

            9. On the US Embassy’s issuance of travel advisory to its citizens in Thailand to stock up on one month’s worth of food, money and water supply:
                  DPM/FM Surapong reiterated that the Government urged the general public to lead normal lives as the Government will be doing its utmost to ensure normalcy in people’s daily life and providing security.

          10. On whether the Prime Minister considered resigning from her post:
                   DPM Pongthep explained that, pursuant to the Constitution, the  Cabinet cannot resign from their posts as they are legally bound to discharge their duties until a new Government is sworn in, otherwise they would be legally charged for dereliction of duty. 

           11. On the possibility of the postponement of the general election as per the Election Commission’s recommendation / the lack of required MPs to open the Parliament:
                 DPM Pongthep explained that there is no legal provision to postpone the election. The election must be held according to the plan. The Government already held a meeting with the Election Commission to explain the matter as both entities do not have the authority to postpone the election under the Constitution. It is the duty of the Election Commission to ensure that the House of  Representatives can be convened within 30 days after the election. The Election Commission must hold another election or take any other measures as may be necessary to ensure that the Parliament can be convened.   

           12. On the possibility of the reintroduction of the Amnesty Bill:
                  DPM Pongthep stressed that the Prime Minister and the leaders of all political parties had already pledged not to reintroduce an Amnesty Bill to the Parliament, at least not in the scope of the original Bill. DPM said that, as a former judge, if a judge were to be assigned to a case where his impartiality may be called into question, he must request to be withdrawn from the case. Some judges on the Constitutional Court not only drafted the Constitution but also engaged in activities against the current Government. While drafting the Constitution, the drafters made sure to create such conditions that only a particular clique of people may be selected/appointed to assume the high offices of the Independent Bodies.