The government will monitor the movements of US embassy representatives who are reportedly seeking to meet red-shirt leaders in the Northeast, army chief Udomdej Sitabutr says.
Red-shirt co-leader Nattawut Saikuar, left, arrives at the Army Club at Thewes to report to the military. He is among politicians recently summoned for discussions by the National Council for Peace and Order. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
The move follows a report that American diplomats travelled to Udon Thani on Thursday to seek a meeting with red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana, leader of the provincial chapter of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), through a coordinator.
But a source told the Bangkok Post that Mr Kwanchai was in Chon Buri at the time. He told the embassy staff, via the intermediary, that he was busy and not available to speak, the source said.
Gen Udomdej, who is also deputy defence minister, said yesterday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the army to keep tabs on the embassy staff.
"We honour and respect them, but we also have to monitor them," Gen Udomdej said.
Gen Udomdej said the US will understand that the government must do what is necessary to maintain peace and order, and the government has tried to explain the political situation to other countries.
Thai-US relations have been strained since a visit on Monday by Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel, America's top diplomat for East Asia and the Pacific.
During his visit, Mr Russel denounced the continued enforcement of martial law and the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
In response, Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai on Wednesday summoned US Charge d'Affaires to Thailand, W Patrick Murphy, for a meeting to voice his disappointment.
Yesterday, Mr Don said he did not know about the reported meeting by the US representatives. However, he insisted one country should not meddle in another's affairs as a matter of "etiquette".
Meanwhile, the regime has been summoning red-shirt politicians for "attitude adjustment" meetings. Gen Udomdej yesterday said the new round of summonses aims to "build understanding about the political situation". Gen Udomdej insisted no force had been used against them.
UDD co-leader Nattawut Saikuar arrived at the Army Club at Thewes in Bangkok yesterday morning to report to army representatives for his "attitude adjustment".
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Nattawut said the military had asked him not to make comments that stir conflict, adding that the soldiers were polite, reasoned with him and did not intimidate him.
Mr Nattawut said he has promised to avoid inciting unrest. However, he said he will remain firm in his political stance. "Expressing opinions for the good of the country is acceptable to society," he said.
Former energy minister Pichai Naripthaphan wrote on Facebook he was invited for talks at army headquarters yesterday morning.
On Thursday, Pheu Thai politicians — ex-foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and ex-education minister Chaturon Chaisaeng — were also summoned.