Asean to issue on statement on Thai political crisis
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Asean countries will issue a statement soon to express concern at the political crisis in Thailand and their wish to see an election.
They believe the election is a solution that will lead to reconciliation, caretaker Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said Wednesday.
He himself had already approved a draft of the statement prepared by Indonesia’s FM Marty Natelagawa for his Myanmar counterpart, which is chairman of Asean this year. The statement has now been sent to other Asean countries for endorsement.
The statement will reflect Asean’s concerns at Thailand’s political situation and their collective wish to see the problems solved through dialogue and in a democratic way. Most importantly, they want to see an election, regarding it as the way out the ongoing obstacles and bringing about reconciliation.
Other Asean countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. Surapong pointed out that the Asean Economic Community is due to get underway next year, and if Thailand’s country's problems fail to be solved, this will affect Asean’s image. Thailand has played an important role in Asean but is now reducing its part because of the internal conflicts.
He said that he would therefore like to inform rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban and Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who are part of the same group, that they should talk to each other on when the election will be held. They should stop blaming other political parties for causing the problems.
