ID :
104599
Thu, 02/04/2010 - 15:18
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http://m.oananews.org//node/104599
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PM urges public not to panic over possible armed group
BANGKOK, Feb 4 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday urged the public to stay calm over a threat that an armed group reportedly being set up by convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying the move is part of a continuing campaign to cause fear and panic among the public that violence is looming.
"The people must remain undaunted and not be swayed by the threat. Please be assured that our country is under the rule of law and will go through this period together if everyone complies by the law," Mr Abhisit said. "The country is on the road to recovery, there is no reason to pit people against each other as that will eventually cause adverse affects on most people."
The prime minister commented over reports that Mr Thaksin will set up a "People's Army for Democracy" with his major ally, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, also opposition Puea Thai party chairman, as the group's commander-in-chief.
"I doubt that Gen Chavalit will accept the post. As the country's former prime minister with long-serving service in the military, I don't think Gen Chavalit wants to see the country in turmoil or violence. I want to see him demonstrating his ability as the country's senior figure to help ease the situation," Mr Abhisit said.
Gen Chavalit later declined the supreme commander role in the Thaksin-formed armed group, saying he wants to adhere to peaceful path and commit to action that will lead to political reconciliation.
The prime minister also urged the public to report any possible irregularities to help the authorities maintaining law and order.
Regarding the threat of the pro-Thaksin Red Shirts that the government must hold talks with them this month, otherwise violent incidents may occur, the premier ruled out any conditional talks with the former premier, saying that Mr Thaksin had first to respect the court decision.
Mr Thaksin was sentenced in absentia by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to a two-year prison term for violating a conflict of interest law and malfeasance when he was prime minister to help his then wife purchase prime land on Bangkok's Ratchadapisek Road.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Suthep asserted that any unlawful armed group is unacceptable and pledged the government will not let the group stir violence or threaten national stability.
Mr Suthep however said the government would not rule out talks with the anti-government movement provided that it stops threatening the government.
The deputy premier added that he believes few people will join the newly-formed armed group as most Thais want the country to be stable. (TNA)
"The people must remain undaunted and not be swayed by the threat. Please be assured that our country is under the rule of law and will go through this period together if everyone complies by the law," Mr Abhisit said. "The country is on the road to recovery, there is no reason to pit people against each other as that will eventually cause adverse affects on most people."
The prime minister commented over reports that Mr Thaksin will set up a "People's Army for Democracy" with his major ally, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, also opposition Puea Thai party chairman, as the group's commander-in-chief.
"I doubt that Gen Chavalit will accept the post. As the country's former prime minister with long-serving service in the military, I don't think Gen Chavalit wants to see the country in turmoil or violence. I want to see him demonstrating his ability as the country's senior figure to help ease the situation," Mr Abhisit said.
Gen Chavalit later declined the supreme commander role in the Thaksin-formed armed group, saying he wants to adhere to peaceful path and commit to action that will lead to political reconciliation.
The prime minister also urged the public to report any possible irregularities to help the authorities maintaining law and order.
Regarding the threat of the pro-Thaksin Red Shirts that the government must hold talks with them this month, otherwise violent incidents may occur, the premier ruled out any conditional talks with the former premier, saying that Mr Thaksin had first to respect the court decision.
Mr Thaksin was sentenced in absentia by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to a two-year prison term for violating a conflict of interest law and malfeasance when he was prime minister to help his then wife purchase prime land on Bangkok's Ratchadapisek Road.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Suthep asserted that any unlawful armed group is unacceptable and pledged the government will not let the group stir violence or threaten national stability.
Mr Suthep however said the government would not rule out talks with the anti-government movement provided that it stops threatening the government.
The deputy premier added that he believes few people will join the newly-formed armed group as most Thais want the country to be stable. (TNA)
