PM Abhisit: no deal with Red-Shirt terrorists

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, stated that demonstrators suspected of terrorism in the country’s recent troubles will be prosecuted.

In his regular Sunday address to the nation, aired yesterday, the Prime Minister said that there would be no government reconciliation with terrorists or the main leaders of the recent anti-government protests in Bangkok.

Two Pheu Thai Party MPs and core protest leaders, Karun Hosakul and Jatuporn Promphan have already been bailed. The two were charged with instigating terrorism. They were bailed on Tuesday after depositing one million Baht each.

The Prime Minister added that demonstrators who took part in a peaceful manner, and were not armed, would not be pursued. These protestors may be pardoned so as to avoid renewed conflicts.

Last Thursday the Thai government started the peace and national healing process by holding a merit making ceremony. This was held at Government House. Clerics from five religions chanted and performed rites at the ceremony for peace and luck.

The latest round of anti-government protests began in Bangkok in March and ended with an army crackdown on May 19. The protests left 88 dead and 1,885 injured.

Yesterday’s statement and Thursday’s merit making ceremony follow the Prime Minister’s May 3 proposal of a national reconciliation road map. This plan encouraged all sides in the dispute to work together for equality and justice, and not bring the country’s monarchy into politics.

The National Security Council and other law enforcement departments are meeting today to discuss what action to take against people who contravened the emergency decree.