BANGKOK, 2 June 2014 – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has affirmed to continue clarifying the situation in Thailand to the international community while hinting a possibility of cancelling the curfew in Phuket and Samui.
At a press conference, Deputy Spokesman of the Royal Thai Army Col Nattawat Chancharoen commented on a request by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to have the curfew revoked, saying NCPO Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha had already assigned the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to study the matter. The junta leader reportedly encouraged concerned officials to inform the NCPO of any areas that were considered free of social divisions and unrest in order for the curfew to be lifted accordingly. He also claimed that among such places were Phuket and Samui Island of Surat Thani.
According to Col Nattawat, even though many countries have warned their citizens against traveling to Thailand in the wake of the military coup, frequent visitors are found to be well aware of the actual situation. However, the NCPO is seeking cooperation from tour agencies and tour guides in spreading the words to foreigners that life in Thailand can still go on as usual.
Meanwhile, Deputy Army Spokesman Col Weerachon Sukhonthapatipak admitted that international criticisms of the coup were inevitable and understandable but efforts would continue to be made to clarify the need of the military takeover. He said the NCPO Chief was collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other organizations, such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and NGOs, to keep other nations informed of the progress made by the NCPO and improve their perceptions of Thailand.
