ID :
49349
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 21:07
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http://m.oananews.org//node/49349
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Thai PM: No cause for concern over anti-govt protests
BANGKOK, March 6 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reaffirmed on Friday that he was not concerned over anti-government protests, saying the visit was not aimed at winning votes but to foster better understanding of government policy among the public.
Red-shirted anti-government protesters from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) announced on Thursday they would protest against the premier in Lop Buri, about 150km north of the capital, during the premier's visit.
The protest will take place in coordination with protests at other locations around the country where Cabinet ministers visit, as the UDD activists want to carry their message whether the government makes an appearance. Earlier this week the Cabinet announced that all 35 ministers will begin visits to all 76 provinces to explain the government’s policy, listen to peoples’ problems directly, and monitor the government programmes being implemented.
Asked about the reported large-scale deployment of police and military personnel to ensure his safety during the visit, the premier downplayed security concerns, saying the government is unworried by the security implications of the planned anti-government demonstrations across the country.
However, he did state that any protests must comply with the law.
Mr. Abhisit also explained that security measures have been prepared as a normal practice. The security teams are duty-bound to maintain law and order and prevent clashes.
Regarding the instruction given to provincial authorities by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who oversees security affairs and Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul that any security mishap could result in them being transferred, the premier said the instruction should not be viewed as a threat but was given to ensure work efficiency in implementing the assigned task.
The prime minister also brushed aside suggestions that the Cabinet ministers' provincial visits were meant to see if any local officials remained loyal to the former power clique.
"The visits are aimed at creating better understanding among the public as the government has issued new measures and policies during the past two months. It is necessary to heed the people's feedback directly so the government can adjust its policy implementation according to their needs," Mr. Abhisit said. (TNA)
Red-shirted anti-government protesters from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) announced on Thursday they would protest against the premier in Lop Buri, about 150km north of the capital, during the premier's visit.
The protest will take place in coordination with protests at other locations around the country where Cabinet ministers visit, as the UDD activists want to carry their message whether the government makes an appearance. Earlier this week the Cabinet announced that all 35 ministers will begin visits to all 76 provinces to explain the government’s policy, listen to peoples’ problems directly, and monitor the government programmes being implemented.
Asked about the reported large-scale deployment of police and military personnel to ensure his safety during the visit, the premier downplayed security concerns, saying the government is unworried by the security implications of the planned anti-government demonstrations across the country.
However, he did state that any protests must comply with the law.
Mr. Abhisit also explained that security measures have been prepared as a normal practice. The security teams are duty-bound to maintain law and order and prevent clashes.
Regarding the instruction given to provincial authorities by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who oversees security affairs and Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul that any security mishap could result in them being transferred, the premier said the instruction should not be viewed as a threat but was given to ensure work efficiency in implementing the assigned task.
The prime minister also brushed aside suggestions that the Cabinet ministers' provincial visits were meant to see if any local officials remained loyal to the former power clique.
"The visits are aimed at creating better understanding among the public as the government has issued new measures and policies during the past two months. It is necessary to heed the people's feedback directly so the government can adjust its policy implementation according to their needs," Mr. Abhisit said. (TNA)
