PM [Abishit] speaks to the press on Thai-Cambodia GBC; PAD protest area; censure motion

2/3/2011
Source: Thai gov't (http://media.thaigov.go.th)

H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister, responded to media enquires regarding the upcoming Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) meeting, scheduled for 7-8 March 2011 where he admitted that the meeting may not be able to conclude a settlement on the disputed area of Thailand claimed by Cambodia. As for the situation along the Thai - Cambodian border, the Prime Minister indicated that this issue maybe considered by Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) or the Regional Border Committee (RBC).

On the issue of sending observers to the disputed area, which may be delayed, the Prime Minister stated the need to clearly define the scope, scale, and area where the observers can operate. The Prime Minister said that Indonesia recognized this problem and Thailand has sent a letter to Indonesia explaining Thailand’s concern. Thailand indicated that both Thailand and Cambodia must agree in defining the area and scope for where the observers can carry out their duties otherwise it may lead to further problems and dispute in terms of settlement claims. In this connection, the Prime Minister stated the need for a bilateral mechanism to find mutually agreed framework. However, the Prime Minister indicated that the said proposal is not intended to delay the process of moving forward and Thailand will move quickly to find a resolution to the border problem. The Prime Minster also answered questions regarding the protest by People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The Prime Minister also thanked the PAD for agreeing to police’s request to open some areas on Ratchadamnoen for traffic and public to pass through and said the negotiations between the protestors and the authorities went smoothly. He also said that reopening traffic for the public had been the government’s goal all along and he hoped that the PAD will consider opening the area for traffic to pass through on a permanent basis. The Government also hoped that the protestors will consider opening the area around Phitsanulok Road for traffic to pass through while the authorities will continue in their efforts to try and open all areas for all traffic to pass through. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that protesters should allow citizens to travel back and forth with ease while the police have the responsibility to oversee the areas where the protests are taking place. The Prime Minister also responded to questions from the media on the opposition party’s move in filing a motion of no confidence against the government tomorrow, including filing a motion to remove several cabinet ministers. He questioned whether or not the censure debate will only create further division in society because as the censure debate will again focus on the protests took place between March-May last year, an issue that has already been debated on. The Prime Minister said that the opposition had the right to open a debate on the government’s conduct as long as it’s within the scope of the Constitution. The Government of course will defend and explain its conduct, but the Prime Minister stated that citizens expect the upcoming debate to focus on substantive matters and issues of public interest and concern. In this connection, the Prime Minister said that he will wait and see how the debate will be carried out. He further stated that the opposition also had a responsibility to the public on issues they planned on raising during the debate.

On the issue of whether or not the increase in price of goods, which has affected the livelihood of citizens, may lead to the downfall of the government, the Prime Minister said the government had put in place policies and measures to ease the burden on citizens, even though problems do remain. However, it is clear that the government has made every effort in trying to help people such as fixing the price of diesel and LPG. Meanwhile, the Government is trying to resolve the problem with regards to the shortage of supply of palm oil. The Prime Minister acknowledged that there may have been deficiencies, but is confident that government will be able to explain the situation to the public.

At the same time, when asked about holding a general election in the current environment despite protests in areas where Prime Minister has made official visits, the Prime Minister said that more investigation is needed. Furthermore, those behind such protests intended to hinder the work being carried by officials or is meant to intimidate candidates during an election campaign goes against the basic principles of democracy. Thus, such cases may have to raise with the Election Commission (EC). A campaign of interference and intimidation being carried by a political party against another political party is also considered wrong. The Prime Minister said that there has not been any violent incidence the past 2-3 days, but also stated that there maybe certain groups who do not want to have elections, yet the Prime Minister personally believes that the country must move towards holding elections in order to reduce the political tensions.