PM calls on Thais to protect monarchy
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Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Tuesday called on Thais to help protect the monarchy and avoid abusing the institution for political advantage.
“We should help protect the monarchy and should not abuse the institution for own benefit,” she said, adding that the government would focus on campaigning for good understanding among different elements in society.
When asked if her government supports the campaign to seek amendment to Article 112 of the Penal Code about lese majeste, the prime minister replied: “We are not doing this now. We should focus on solving economic problems.”
Yingluck said she asked government figures to avoid certain sensitive issues and to focus instead on rehabilitation work aimed at restoring confidence towards Thailand after the recent severe floods.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday expressed his opposition to the campaign for amendment to Article 112 and insisted that the ruling Pheu Thai Party would not back the proposed changes.
“The party will definitely not amend this article. I will oppose whoever proposes its amendment,” he said. “This is Thailand and we are happy because of the royal kindness. Don’t you have anything else to do?”
The veteran politician said, however, that the ruling party would support amendment to the Constitution, starting with changing certain clauses to allow establishment of a new constitution drafting committee. He noted that constitutional amendment was part of the party’s election campaign promises.
