BANGKOK, Nov 5 – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says there is no need for his government to prepare to deal with political groups planning to take to the streets.
Gen Prayut made the remark Wednesday a day before the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is set to consider impeachment petitions against ex-parliament speaker Somsak Kaitsuranont and former senate speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich, submitted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Those who support and oppose the petitions have threatened to rally if the Assembly begins the impeachment process.
Gen Prayut said he has learned that all the groups have scrapped their planned rallies and promise they will not put pressure on the government.
“If they staged a rally, they would have to be held responsible for consequence of their action,” he warned.
Regarding his remark yesterday about the use of Article 44 of the interim constitution to deal with a street rally, Gen Prayut said it was just a warning.
He said he wants people planning to take to the streets to know that such laws exist.
“I did not say when or who the government plans to use the laws against,” he said.
Article 44 gives power to the interim government to act against threats to national peace and order.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon called on the public to give the interim government and the ruling National Council for Peace and Order time to work.
“This is a time of crisis and the government is speeding up national reconciliation to stop conflict in society,” he said when asked about anti-government movements.
