BANGKOK, 21 December 2013 Army Commander-in-Chief Prayut Chan-ocha has expressed his worry over attempts to stir up anger among different groups of the public, and called for all groups to cease such actions and engage in dialogue.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in her capacity as Defense Minister, chaired a meeting of the Defense Council on Friday, calling for military personnel to maintain neutrality amid the current political situation.
After the meeting, General Prayut indicated there were no discussions about the postponing of elections, as this was a matter of the political sector, not the armed forces’. He said he expressed concern over the political situation to the prime minister, but also assured her that the military will carry out its duty to the best extent.
Gen. Prayut added that taunting acts and efforts to create agitation ongoing in many areas throughout the country could result in clashes between members of the public. He would thus like to ask that all sides and colors cease these acts and turn toward dialogue, perhaps through a mediator who is trusted by all sectors.
