UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon expressed concern over continuing martial law in a meeting with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and urged a prompt return to “to civilian rule and constitutional order” in Thailand.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, left, meets UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday night. (Government House photo)
In a meeting at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday night, Gen Prayut explained his reasons for seizing power in May's military coup, saying it was done to ensure public safety because internal conflicts had led to the use of military-grade weapons and violence had been growing, government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalarp said.
The UN said in a statement that Mr Ban "acknowledged the prime minister's point that Thailand had returned to stability," but "expressed his concern at the continuation of martial law. He encouraged the prime minister to ensure a prompt return to civilian rule and constitutional order in Thailand."
Mr Yongyuth quoted Gen Prayuth as telling the UN chief that his government intended to restore order, peace and public safety in the country and was using normal administrative regulations and reforming the country and its democracy. Gen Prayut assured Mr Ban that Thailand has continuously adhered to its international obligations, Mr Yongyuth added.
On other topics, the secretary-general and Gen Prayut also discussed climate change and Thailand's contribution to UN peacekeeping. Mr Ban also acknowledged Thailand's donations to efforts to eradicate Ebola and the country to participate by sending health workers to join the fight against the virus.