The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, has stated that ASEAN stands ready to extend any appropriate support to help diffuse the political situation in Thailand, if requested, without interfering into the country’s internal affairs.

In his statement on the situation in Thailand, Dr. Surin said that the deteriorating situation between demonstrators and government security forces in Bangkok has caused serious concern among ASEAN Member States and the world at large. The situation is affecting the confidence in the security and stability in the region, and if it is left to fester and escalate, it could lead to more violence and loss of lives. This will tarnish the good reputation of Thais as peace-loving people, and of Thailand as a source of prosperity and stability in the ASEAN region.

Dr. Surin, in his statement on April 12, also called on all parties concerned in Thailand to exercise maximum self-restraint and to seek a quick renegotiated settlement through dialogue and reconciliation as soon as possible.

Following the clashes between security forces and demonstrators at Kok Wua Intersection in Bangkok on April 10, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that the Government aims to distinguish those committing terrorist acts from innocent demonstrators, while working toward political solutions.

He said that there appear to be certain individuals who have acted as terrorists and exploited well-meaning demonstrators in instigating unrest with the hope of trying to bring about major political changes. In this connection, the Government has devised specific measures, aimed at separating such individuals from the rest of the demonstrators, who are innocent of violence. He thus asked the demonstrators not to join with these perpetrators in their fight, saying that if these measures succeed, it would enable the authorities to take further action to resolve the situation.

As for the demands made by the demonstrators on the issues of injustice and democracy, Prime Minister Abhisit affirmed that these must be resolved politically. The Government, the armed forces, the police, and all government agencies, as well as the coalition partners, continue to work together with unity toward resolving the situation. It will set up a fact-finding committee similar to that established after the incident last April to investigate the incidents on April 10, and is also ready to extend cooperation to parallel fact-finding efforts by independent agencies, such as the National Human Rights Commission.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, in his speech at the School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C., reiterated the Thai government’s determination to solve the current problem with patience and through dialogue, as well as legal means. The Government is of the view that the negotiations on resolution of the political problem should be open to all stakeholders in society, to give them a voice in the process.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said that he was informed by the Bureau of the Royal Household that His Majesty the King had instructed that remedies and welfare be provided to all those affected by the April 10 incidents, whether they were civilians, security forces, or the general public. On the part of the Government, medical care and rehabilitation have already been provided.