BANGKOK, March 18 (TNA) – Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday said his government stands ready to talk with the ‘Red Shirt’ United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) movement, but the anti-government activists must comply with the law without blockading government offices and the homes of key persons and they must stop inciting violence.
Mr Abhisit told a joint news conference conducted with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok that his government has no objection to enter talks as proposed by key UDD leaders–Veera Musikapong, Weng Tojirakarn and Jaral Ditthaapichai–through the NHRC.
“If the rallies comply with the law, the government has no objection to talk as it welcomes participation from all parties concerned,” the premier said, “but do not push too much about who the negotiators would be, otherwise it will be difficult to work it out.”
MCOT
Looks like the red shirts are at it again, I understand that to have as they say a government imposed on you and not democratically elected is not what anyone would wish for. However from a point of view of Thailand the country, these protests are doing irreparable damage as this country heavily relies on Tourism, and as such cannot afford for foreign visitors to stay away. I do hope that people remember that all these protest are in no way aimed at any foreigners, and the chance of being caught up in any violence is extremely slim. This country is an amazing place to visit, and if you are lucky enough to see for yourself what it has to offer, I’m sure you will be longing to return. So give the Thai’s your support and visit Thailand.
You are absolutely right Thailand does not need these protest at the moment. The visitor numbers to Thailand must be declining month by month. Yes to have a government imposed is not good, but to have a country which has been developed around and relies upon tourism, without any tourists must be worse. I am not saying that the Thais should just allow what is happening, but the situation for visitors does not look good. Please do however remember that these protests aren’t aimed at foreigners. Still visit Thailand as it is an unbelievable place.