On 7 April 2016, 19 Heads of Mission of the European Union and the Member States in Bangkok, headed by Ms. Luisa Ragher, Charge d’ affairs of the European Union Embassy, called on Mr. Panyarak Poolthup, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to be updated on latest situations in Thailand. Also present were representatives from Department of European Affairs, Department of International Organisations and Department of Information. 

         The meeting was conducted in an open and cordial atmosphere leading to constructive discussion on a wide range of issues. During this meeting, the Thai side made the following clarifications:

         1. Thailand is committed to democratic values and is making headway on the path towards elections in accordance with the Roadmap. The Constitutional drafting process is proceeding as scheduled. The national referendum on the draft Charter will be held on 7 August 2016, leading to general elections in 2017.

         2. The drafting process is conducted in an inclusive and open manner. The government is resolute in its goal to restore democracy in Thailand. At the moment, the Constitution drafting process has been completed and preparations for the referendum are well underway. In the meantime, the government is undertaking comprehensive and people-centered reforms with the aim to promote stability, prosperity and sustainability in the country.

         3. On the issue of civil liberty and the Order No. 13/2559 of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Thailand supports and highly values freedom of expression and human rights in accordance with international practices. All actions are in line with legal procedures, rules of law and taken in fair, indiscriminate and effective manners in order to bring the wrong-doers to justice. 

             The purpose of the NCPO’s Order No. 13/2559 is to enable military officers to render their assistance and support to police officers in an effort to suppress influential figures and those who are involved in organized crimes, such as drugs-related crimes, human trafficking, and prostitution, in which normal arrest procedures could cause delay or may be harmful to officers in charge making it possible for the offenders to escape prosecution. Therefore, the NCPO’s Order No. 13/2559 will increase the effectiveness of law enforcement, protect innocent people and bring perpetrators to justice while the conviction remains under sole discretion of the Court.

         4. As for the initiative to conduct a course to foster understanding, the Thai side reaffirmed that Thailand attaches high importance to freedom of expression and respects human rights principles in accordance with international standards. However, the Government is obliged to maintain public order and prevent social divisiveness during this crucial period of national reconciliation and reform. The training course will be conducted in a polite manner without resorting to violence. The press are welcomed to participate as observers.

         5. Thailand is ready to interact with the international community, international organisations and other relevant parties in a constructive manner. Thailand welcomes opinions and suggestions from all and is pleased that members of the European Union understand and are engaging in the implementation of the Roadmap. The Thai side believes that the European Embassies in Thailand are in the best position to understand the complexity of the situation in Thailand and therefore hopes that they will listen to opinion from all sides in order to have well-informed and accurate understanding which is a solid basis upon which future cooperation and mutual interests will be built.