Surapong tells UN, govts of protest chaos

Diplomatic letters have been sent to the United Nations and its Security Council as well as national governments explaining the political situation in Thailand, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said yesterday. 

“I was in Bahrain for the Asia Cooperation Dialogue meeting when the political situation turned chaotic. Many countries asked me about the incidents. I informed them that the protest was against the law and badly affected our national security,” he told Parliament.

The protest, which has seen ministries stormed, was illegal, undemocratic and a threat to national security, he said.

He also sent notes on the current political situation to the foreign diplomatic corps in Thailand, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the ministers of the 

five Security Council permanent members – the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France and Russia.

He also asked those countries and organisations to condemn the illegal protests.

So far, 22 countries have issued travel advisories to their citizens to avoid visiting protest sites. 

The rallies have hurt the tourism business and the income of the country, Surapong said.

Hundreds of protesters agreed to leave the Foreign Ministry, which they had been occupying since Monday evening. They made no clear demand but wanted the ministry to cease operating during their seizure. The ministry did not close down but instructed staff to work from outside. All officials are to return to work at the ministry today.

The ministry filed a complaint at Phya Thai Police Station against the protesters for allegedly damaging state property by breaking down a gate near Sri Ayutthaya Road, deputy permanent secretary Kiattikhun Chartprasert said.

Protest leader Nitithorn Lamlua said the demonstrators left the ministry after their mission to petition foreign countries to break off relations with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government was completed. 

Permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow briefed diplomatic representatives on the political situation after the Internal Security Act was extended to more areas.

The US and Britain have issued statements of concern. 

“Violence and the seizure of public or private property are not acceptable means of resolving political differences,” the US State Department said. 

And Hugo Swire, minister of state for the British Foreign Office, said: “As a friend of Thailand, the UK urges all sides to adhere to their commitment to the values of democracy and rule of law in the interests of Thailand’s peace and stability.”