Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a diplomatic briefing on political situation and recent protests in Thailand. Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police were speakers at the briefing, with Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson as the moderator. The briefing is to provide clarity about recent protests, the necessity to introduce certain measures and the Government's plans in responding to concerns and suggestions of protesters so as to move the country forward.

On 20 October 2020, at 15:00 hrs. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, Government Spokesperson and Police Colonel Krishna Pattanacharoen, Deputy Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, jointly briefed the diplomatic corps and international organisation representatives on current political situation and mass protests as well as the rationale that necessitated the Declaration of a Serious Emergency Situation in the area of Bangkok. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson , was the moderator of the briefing. Over 84 members of the diplomatic corps and international organisation representatives, including 37 ambassadors, attended the briefing.

The Permanent Secretary elaborated on the current situation of mass protests as well as the Government’s efforts to resolve the situation. He affirmed that the people’s fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are guaranteed in accordance with the law. The Government also supports the Parliament to explore its means in resolving the situation through parliamentary process, including amendment of the constitution.

The Government Spokesman informed about the Government’s next step and plans to ease the situation by considering the viewpoints and requests from all sides. It also hopes to foster mutual understanding between different generations.

The Deputy Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police explained the specific measures of police officers pursuant to the Declaration of the Emergency Situation in order to preserve public order and safety according to international standard. All police officers carried out their duties in managing public assemblies with full restraint and careful discretion.