Statement by Thaksin Shinawatra on Thai Political Crisis

HONG KONG, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Lawyers acting on behalf of the former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra have released the following statement to the media on May 20, 2010:

Thaksin Shinawatra:  "Today the Kingdom of Thailand is in mourning. I join all Thai patriots in their immediate call for calm, order, and non-violence, and fully condemn the actions of those who acted with opportunism and impunity to cause reckless damage in Bangkok, which is completely alien to the cause of the protest movement. 

It is a dark day for Thailand's battered democracy.  More than 67 Thai citizens, including some soldiers and foreign journalists, have lost their lives since April 10 as a result of state violence and human rights abuses, and this is an appalling and unacceptable reality for the government to face before international law.

There are immediate concerns for our communities to address following the May 19, 2010 violence in Bangkok. We must get past the anger and outrage to begin a new political dialogue that is fair and equal before the law for all Thai citizens.

There are questions about my relationship with the Red Shirt movement, and many untrue accusations. I will continue to morally support the heroic effort of the UDD and their leaders to seek democracy and justice for Thailand.  

Thai citizens must defend the independence of our judiciary, and ensure that due process and rule of law are strictly observed in the government's treatment of arrested UDD leaders. There should be no more show trials, and no more political prisoners.  The fact that the government has attempted to use the term 'terrorism' against those who disagree with its policies raises significant concerns of political persecution.

I resolutely reject all allegations with regard to any illegal or violent activities in the Kingdom of Thailand, and underscore the fact that this heroic and inspiring grassroots movement is completely autonomous and independent from myself.  Let me state this clearly:  the struggle of the red shirts is a struggle for the democratic rights of the citizens.

I am fully responsible for only one aspect of the crisis: years ago I led these excluded people to believe that they could exercise their constitutional rights of citizens, that their votes mattered, and that they were equal to Bangkok elites to participate in our blessed democracy.  Right now this assumption that all Thais can vote and that all Thais can be represented is under assault, and I must sincerely apologize to everyone who made this leap of faith. 

I ask all those participating on all sides to take a step back, consider the possibility of political solutions, and not to fall victim to the provocations from those who benefit from Thailand falling into lawlessness.

I am optimistic for the future of Thailand.  We are a good people, proud, successful, tolerant, and deserving of a respected status in the region.  But the damage caused to our reputation by our current leadership will take some time to repair."

SOURCE Amsterdam & Peroff