Thailand has started giving explanations on its political situation at various regional and international stages in order to create better understanding with foreign countries. Also, Thai ambassadors overseas have been asked to explain the situation to foreign leaders, prominent figures, experts in various fields, and members of the media.
Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phaungketkeow, Acting for Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, met Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Yangon. He stated that Thailand would continue to play an active and important role in the region and take full participation in the international conferences and cooperation frameworks. Thailand requested Myanmar’s support, as the latter has currently served as the Chair of ASEAN.
The Myanmar Foreign Minister expressed his understanding of Thailand’s situation. He also stressed the ASEAN principle of non-interference in member countries’ internal affairs and pledged to convey Thailand’s messages to fellow ASEAN member countries. He trusted that Thailand would successfully implement the three-phase roadmap within the timeframe as planned.
The roadmap was outlined by the Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), General Prayuth Chan-ocha. The first phase of the roadmap involves efforts to achieve national reconciliation as soon as possible, at least within two to three months.
In the second phase, a provisional constitution would be drawn up by the NCPO’s legal team. A legislative council will be established to select an interim Prime Minister, appoint cabinet members to administer the country, and draft a new constitution. A reform council will also be established to resolve existing conflicts, with solutions acceptable to all sides. This will probably take about a year to complete. It could be longer or shorter depending on the situation and cooperation from all sides. In the third phase, a general election under a democratic system will be held, which is legal and accepted by all sides.
General Prayuth said that special economic zones will be established to support small factories along the Thai border and in rural areas. This is to provide economic opportunities not only for Thais but also for people in neighboring countries, which could help prevent illegal migrants from crossing into inner provinces of Thailand, thereby giving more work opportunities to Thai nationals.
According to General Prayuth, the NCPO has taken control of the situation, temporarily, in order to stop the violence and break the deadlock that had prevented the previous government from moving the country forward, and to solve urgent problems affecting the economy. This is to return happiness and safety in lives and property to the Thai people as well as foreign nationals residing in Thailand, and to place the Monarchy, who is always revered and protected by the Thais, above all conflicts.
