Press Release

 

Current Situation in Thailand

 

With regard to the seizure of the administrative power in Thailand by the military leaders on 22 May 2014, the Royal Thai Embassy would like to provide the information on the situation in Thailand as follows:

 

1. The military leaders had to take control of the national administration in order to restore peace and order after a half year of political turmoil caused by different protest groups that had paralysed the country and deeply divided the Thai society.

 

2. The military leaders who seized the power is now called the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

 

3. The NCPO has announced the 3-step roadmap to run the country. The 3-step roadmap is the following;

Phase 1: National Reconciliation Reconciliation centres have been set up throughout the country to eliminate the divisiveness in the society. This period will take 3 months, from June to August 2014. The result is now very positive.

Phase 2: Reform Period A new Prime Minister and cabinet will be appointed by August or early September 2014. The National Legislative Council will also be established by September 2014 as well as the announcement of a provisional Constitution, including the amendment of laws and regulations to create justice and fairness in the society. This phase will take 1 year.

Phase 3: General Elections under the democratic system.

 

4. The situation in Thailand has now returned to normalcy. There has not been a single incident of violence. The curfew has been completely revoked throughout the country since 13 June 2014.

 

5. The NCPO understands the concerns of the international community, especially democratic western countries which may not apprehend the unique or characters of the Thai society. Democracy is not a “one size fits all”. The NCPO needs time to reform and solve the internal problems of Thailand. If the NCPO receives support and cooperation from all sides in the society, Thailand can be moved forward.

 

Royal Thai Embassy, Colombo

25 June 2014