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» 06.03.09 Thai PM: No cause for concern over anti-govt protests |
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06.03.09 Thai PM: No cause for concern over anti-govt protests
Source: TNA
BANGKOK, March 6 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva
reaffirmed on Friday, one day before his planned visit to Lop Buri
province, about 150km north of the capital, that he is not concerned
over anti-government protests, saying the visit was not aimed at
winning votes but to foster better understanding of government policy
among the public.
Red-shirted anti-government protesters from
the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) announced on
Thursday they would protest against the premier in Lop Buri during his
visit Saturday.
The protest will take place in coordination
with protests at other locations around the country where Cabinet
ministers visit, as the UDD activists want to carry their message
whether the government makes an appearance. Earlier this week the
Cabinet announced that all 35 ministers will begin visits to all 76
provinces to explain the government’s policy, listen to peoples’
problems directly, and monitor the government programmes being
implemented.
Asked about the reported large-scale deployment of
police and military personnel to ensure his safety during the visit,
the premier downplayed security concerns, saying the government is
unworried by the security implications of the planned anti-government
demonstrations across the country.
However, he did state that any protests must comply with the law.
Mr.
Abhisit also explained that security measures have been prepared as a
normal practice. The security teams are duty-bound to maintain law and
order and prevent clashes.
Regarding the instruction given to
provincial authorities by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who
oversees security affairs and Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul
that any security mishap could result in disciplinary action, the
premier said the instruction should not be viewed as a threat but was
given to ensure work efficiency in implementing the assigned task.
The
prime minister also brushed aside suggestions that the Cabinet
ministers' provincial visits were meant to see if any local officials
remain loyal to the former power clique.
"The visits are aimed
at creating better understanding among the public as the government has
issued new measures and policies during the past two months. It is
necessary to heed their feedback directly so that the government can
adjust its policy implementation according to their needs," Mr. Abhisit
said. (TNA)
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