Thai PM Unfazed by Increasing Dissent of Government

Published : July 10, 2010 :: 10:07:19 [ 1,364 views ]

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday declared that he is confident the reconciliation process is working to return normalcy to the nation. The statement follows reports that anti-government groups were again using public medium to criticise the government’s actions on Friday.

Bangkok, the 9^th of July 2010 [PDN]: Abhisit’s address comes after several community based radio stations were revealed to be increasingly criticising the government’s actions in the aftermath to the April-May political protests.

The prime minister explained that the actions of several sections of the media were “not a problem” and that criticism of the government was “under the law.” He did however state that any moves to incite further violence or unrest would be addressed swiftly by the government-run Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).

Responding to increasing sentiments that an anti-government, United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rally would be staged on the impending birthday of fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Abhisit explained that the government was “suitably prepared.” Thaksin’s birthday falls on the 26^th of July in which supporters are expected to gather and celebrate the occasion throughout the country, especially in the north and northeastern provinces.

“The government will be cautious,” he explained. Providing that gatherings were in line with the law and the emergency decree, “there will be no problem.” Abhisit did concede that if armed actions are again taken by protesters the situation would become more “difficult,” he declined to elaborate on the actions that would be taken to discourage a reformation of the protests seen in April and May.

Abhisit dismayed reports that the government was being too careless in their declarations of a return to normalcy, saying, “all movements have been monitored effectively. The emergency law which is in place over 18 provinces is adequate.”

Meanwhile the premier explained the greater role that the CRES and his ministers will play leading in to the end of the year, where he is expected to attend several international committees, including; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting (ASEAN) and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). In addition to the Asia based itinerary Abhisit is also expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

Ahead of his first official visit to Myanmar next month, Abhisit revealed that Thailand was currently in a precarious economic situation, with many countries interested in the nation speculating on the current political situation. The premier explained his take on the situation, stating, “it is not quite worrisome as they can see Thailand’s strength in recovery. We need to clarify (the situation) to other countries,” he said.

Along with the trip to Myanmar, Abhisit is also expected to complete an official visit to China later this year.