BANGKOK, July 12 — Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday counselled all parties to stay calm on the eve of the Constitution Court verdict on the constitutionality of the charter amendment bill Friday, asking the public not resort to violence and act within legal limits.
“I don’t want the people to worry too much (over the ruling) as it won’t do any good.” Ms Yingluck said.
She said the government is duty-bound to continue working and asked all parties including the red shirts to wait for the court decision.
“Any move should be within the legal framework. Don’t resort to any violence. Eventually, (I) believe all sides should be able to talk to each other as we are all Thais,” the premier stated.
The Constitution Court, after finishing two days of witness testimony last Friday, said that the court would deliver its verdict tomorrow at 2pm.
The judges will rule whether the bill to amend Article 291 of the Constitution contravenes Section 68.
The opposition claimed the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s move to amend Article 291 to set up a drafting committee is tantamount to an attempt to topple the constitutional monarchy.
Pheu Thai list-MP and United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) co-leader Korkaew Pikulthong on Thursday urged the red shirt supporters not to rally at the court on Friday when the justices give their verdict.
At the moment, Mr Korkaew said, he has no clue regarding the identity of the person who used community radio to encourage the red shirt supporters to gather at the court.
He urged the red shirts not to fall prey to such an ill-intentioned person who might want to stir up disturbances.
After the verdict is given, the UDD core leaders will hold a news conference at 6pm to announce their position, he said.
Meanwhile, opposition Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he believed the Constitution Court justices would adhere to legal principles and impartiality.
He also urged the government to act against any group which threatens to seize the judges if they think that the ruling is not appropriate.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau deployed three companies of police to provide security and to keep order at the Constitution Court. Police reinforcements are possible depending on the situation as the national police chief ordered 13 companies of police to be ready to provide security.
The court staff used portable metal fences to block the entrance of the court. No vehicles are allowed to park inside the metal fence and gatherings are prohibited at the compound.
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa said the military is ready to reinforce police to cope with situation after the court ruling.
