Vietnam as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a statement Friday to support early restoration of laws and national conciliation in Thailand.
The statement also clarified that ASEAN countries stand by Thai people and government in the search of a peaceful solution to the current situation in the country, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem said.
It also calls on concerned parties to settle for dialogue and full respect for democratic principles and rule of law.
“Peace, stability and development in Thailand are crucial to the advancement of the goal of the ASEAN Community by 2015”, said Khiem.
ASEAN member states believe Thai people, with their own strength, can overcome difficulties and ASEAN is ready to provide any possible support based on principles of the ASEAN Charter, Khiem said.
Same day, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajive announced security has been restored in Bangkok and surrounding areas after a security forces’ campaign to dismiss demonstrations launched by the “Red Shirt” movement.
Speaking on the Thai television, the Prime Minister admitted the kingdom faces "huge challenges", particularly the divisions that have occurred in this country.
Infrastructure damages cost the nation around US$1.2 billion during the protests, according to the Thai Nation Daily. 85 people have died and 1,900 others injured during the demonstrations sparking off from mid-March.
Tension has been mounting in Bangkok for the past couple of years. But the political crisis began in the middle of March between the red-shirted protesters, supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, who are demanding the ouster of the current government and fresh elections, and the pro-government yellow shirts.
POST YOUR COMMENT
City & Country
Phone Number
We will not publish
your email or full address on our website, or give them to a third party.
Tags:
Vietnews is not responsible
for the content of external internet sites.