BANGKOK, Dec 3 – Thailand’s Supreme Commander said he will meet with the commanders of the three armed forces after the celebration of the king’s birthday on December 5 to find a solution as the death toll from political unrest has risen to four with more than two hundred persons injured.
Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Prachin Chanthong said Supreme Commander Gen Thanasak Patimakorn will convene meeting of the armed forces chiefs to find way out of the crisis after December 5.
ACM Prachin expressed confidence that the situation will not escalate to bloodshed.
Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha pledged the army would not become involved in the political crisis as it must be solved through political means. He said the military will simply monitor the situation from a distance.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said he has instructed governors nationwide via video conference that work stoppages as urged by anti-government protesters are not allowed.
He said the governors will be central to receiving all information and passing it to the government and that they were instructed to prevent any clashes which may occur between pro- and anti-government groups.
In the latest development, the Public Health Ministry reported that the death toll from political unrest has so far risen to four as a soldier who was seriously injured in the clash at Ramkamhaeng University during the weekend succumbed to his wounds, while 256 persons were wounded since the protests turned violent in several areas.
