BANGKOK, Oct 19 (TNA) — Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government supported the opening of a special parliamentary session to discuss political solutions and promised that it would not expand areas under the state of emergency or impose a curfew.
Gen Prayut said the government was aware that people were concerned about political situations and it shared parliament members’ idea to hold a special parliamentary session to use parliamentary mechanisms to solve political problems.
“I insist that we are not responding to pressures. It is better than listening to one particular party. This is to minimize conflicts. Thailand has numerous problems. Tomorrow the cabinet will discuss preparations for the matter,” the prime minister said.
Gen Prayut said that the government was not about to expand areas under the state of emergency and did not plan to impose a curfew. The government was trying its best to compromise but it had to protect the royal institution and national order.
“Please keep rallies peaceful. Do not destroy the properties of the state and people. Demonstrators must refrain from clashing with each other. Yesterday there was some incident. The government has tried its best to avoid the use of force. Please do not create any situation that may lead to that,” the prime minister said.
Asked if he could promise there would not be a crackdown like what happened on Oct 16, Gen Prayut said a relevant committee would consider the matter.
He said that it was irrational to compare the government’s present and past responses to demonstrators because they concerned different governments and situations. (TNA)
