Thai PM: “People’s Assembly” legally impossible

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra said in a televised address at 2 pm on Thursday that the anti-government protesters’ proposal to establish a “People’s Assembly” is impossible under the constitution and also offered to hold peace talks with protest leaders.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra on televised address on Thursday

Yingluck said her government has treated the protesters gently in order to prevent the situation becoming worse and not to have the protesters injured and killed like in the past.

To use peaceful means does not mean that the government cannot administer or enforce the law. The government has been trying very hard to find a solution for the sake of the people, despite difficulties in serving the public. However, the government has prepared a plan to do its best to serve the people. The government believes that most civil servants are aware of their responsibility to the three institutions, namely the nation, religions and monarchy, even though they may have different political views, said Yingluck.

Meanwhile, the government does not want to ‘play political games’ because this would affect the economy and the credibility of the country, she added.

Yingluck said the government is pleased to listen to suggestions from all sides. “However, the proposal to establish a “People’s Assembly” is impossible under the constitution,” she said.

She insisted that the government is determined to create an atmosphere of collaboration and peaceful dialogue in order to find a solution for the country and to eradicate the conflict that has long plagued Thai society. She also urged the protesters to end the rally and return state agency compounds to the public and talk with the government.

“The government does not want confrontation, but to work together with all sides to find solutions,” said the premier.

She also urged Thai people to honour the king on his upcoming birthday on December 5, by heeding his advice on national unity.

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