Governments across the world expressed their concern about the situation in Thailand after the declaration of martial law and they hope the political conflict can still be resolved by democratic means.
Foreign envoys to Thailand attend a briefing on the invocation of martial law by army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha. The briefing was organised yesterday by the Foreign Ministry. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said his government was deeply concerned and hoped normality could be restored quickly.
"Indonesia has consistently called for respect of the constitutional process and democratic principles to promote national reconciliation and unity, reflecting the wishes of the Thai people,” he said in Jakarta.
Philippine finance secretary Cesar Purisima said the unrest in Thailand might spook investors but at the moment trade was still flowing and supply chains were still moving between the two countries.
"We’re just cheering on the sidelines for them to resolve it. Thailand is a great country. They’ve shown their resilience and we’re confident this is a short-term hiccup,’’ he said in Manila.
In Tokyo, Thailand’s biggest investor, Japan, expressed concern.
"We have grave concerns about the situation in Thailand,” Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters. “We once again strongly urge all parties concerned to act in a self-restrained manner without using violence.”
The US is concerned about the political crisis and said it urges all parties to respect democratic principles, including respect for freedom of speech.
"We expect the army to honour its commitment to make this a temporary action to prevent violence, and to not undermine democratic institutions,'' said US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop urged all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful democratic processes. "Thailand has Australia’s good will and support as it tries to find ways to settle its political difficulties.”
"What we’re doing is monitoring the situation on the ground, ensuring that Australians are aware of the situation,'' said Ms Bishop, adding that Australia hopes an election in which all parties agree to participate can be held as soon as possible.
The European Union (EU) also issued a statement on the situation.
“The EU has consistently called for dialogue, a peaceful resolution of the political crisis and respect for democratic principles in Thailand. The priority now is to set a clear timetable for early elections and establish as soon as possible a fully functioning government with democratic legitimacy,'' it said.
Human Rights Watch opposed the invocation of martial law and the army's decision to curb freedom of the press by closing cable TV stations, including the anti-government station BlueSky, the mouthpiece of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee, and the red-shirt AsiaUpdate channel.
“While there has been sporadic violence in recent months, imposing martial law nationwide was not necessary to prevent further violence,’’ said Brad Adams, group director of the Asia division.
Permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the Foreign Ministry will translate all orders issued by the new Peace and Order Maintaining Command (PCMO) into English, and send them to Thai embassies and consulates in foreign countries to keep foreigners up to date.
The ministry yesterday briefed foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations in Thailand on the army’s reasons for installing martial law.