ID :
55466
Tue, 04/14/2009 - 20:28
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/55466
The shortlink copeid
Life goes on but Emergency Decree stands: Thai PM
BANGKOK, April 14 (TNA) - In an attempt to cope with any untoward incidents which might occur in the capital and elsewhere in outlying areas following Monday's unrest which saw two civilians killed and 123 others injured, Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday the Emergency Decree remains in force even though anti-government protests have ended and a certain degree of normalcy has been restored.
In a televised address to the nation, Mr. Abhisit said the emergency rule, declared to coincide with
the country's weeklong Songkran festivities, must be maintained--especially in Bangkok--so that the police and the military could effectively deter further disorder and maintain order, though thousands of Red Shirt anti-government protesters had already dispersed from areas around Government House and arrest warrants had been issued for a dozen leaders of the National United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).
The prime minister also declared Thursday-Friday 16-17 April as additional national holidays in lieu of this year’s unpeaceful traditional Thai new year, Songkran.
“Things remain to be done in line with the Emergency Decree,” Mr. Abhisit said..
“The government must remain cautious and vigilant. In sensitive areas covered by the Decree, security and police forces are still deployed but I urge the public not to panic, as this is part of the government’s mission to ensure riots do not recur,” he said.
Assessing the situation, the prime minister said anti-government elements remained active in several spots outside Government House throughout the afternoon, though these demonstrators no longer wore red shirts.
“The government understands the residual effects of the sentiment. However, we are trying our best to empathise and communicate with them in order to ease mutual tension,” he said.
Mr Abhisit is adamant that the government’s crackdown on demonstrations did not result in fatalities.
The two fatalities were killed during confrontation between demonstrators and the angry public, not as a result of security forces’ operation, he said.
He also announced that the Cabinet resolved to declare 16-17 April as public holidays to give time for officials to restore normalcy and to give more time for the tense Thai public to relax.
The prime minister said legal action will be pursued against those responsible for inciting the unrest and violence. He gave assurances that all those charged will be equal before the law.
“Even though the unrest has come to an end, the government did not deem this a victory or defeat by any particular party. Rather, it’s a collective defeat of our society,” said Mr. Abhisit, appealing for reconciliation among conflicting parties so that the country can move on.
The premier added that all parties may convene and discuss ways and means to bring about a peaceful solution to the prolonged political chaos. (TNA)
In a televised address to the nation, Mr. Abhisit said the emergency rule, declared to coincide with
the country's weeklong Songkran festivities, must be maintained--especially in Bangkok--so that the police and the military could effectively deter further disorder and maintain order, though thousands of Red Shirt anti-government protesters had already dispersed from areas around Government House and arrest warrants had been issued for a dozen leaders of the National United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).
The prime minister also declared Thursday-Friday 16-17 April as additional national holidays in lieu of this year’s unpeaceful traditional Thai new year, Songkran.
“Things remain to be done in line with the Emergency Decree,” Mr. Abhisit said..
“The government must remain cautious and vigilant. In sensitive areas covered by the Decree, security and police forces are still deployed but I urge the public not to panic, as this is part of the government’s mission to ensure riots do not recur,” he said.
Assessing the situation, the prime minister said anti-government elements remained active in several spots outside Government House throughout the afternoon, though these demonstrators no longer wore red shirts.
“The government understands the residual effects of the sentiment. However, we are trying our best to empathise and communicate with them in order to ease mutual tension,” he said.
Mr Abhisit is adamant that the government’s crackdown on demonstrations did not result in fatalities.
The two fatalities were killed during confrontation between demonstrators and the angry public, not as a result of security forces’ operation, he said.
He also announced that the Cabinet resolved to declare 16-17 April as public holidays to give time for officials to restore normalcy and to give more time for the tense Thai public to relax.
The prime minister said legal action will be pursued against those responsible for inciting the unrest and violence. He gave assurances that all those charged will be equal before the law.
“Even though the unrest has come to an end, the government did not deem this a victory or defeat by any particular party. Rather, it’s a collective defeat of our society,” said Mr. Abhisit, appealing for reconciliation among conflicting parties so that the country can move on.
The premier added that all parties may convene and discuss ways and means to bring about a peaceful solution to the prolonged political chaos. (TNA)
