With reference to The Korea Times cartoons dated May 18 and 24, 2016 on the situation in Thailand, I wish to provide you some clarification for the benefit of your readers, especially about the development of Thai politics, as follows:
First, Thailand is in a crucial period of transition, in which the government's efforts are focused on seeing through the "Roadmap for Reconciliation, Reform, and Elections" in partnership with all sectors of society.
Second, public order and social harmony are key for the government to be able to see through the roadmap. The Government has, therefore, promulgated a number of laws to ensure that public order and social harmony prevail. These laws do not impinge on general freedom of expression ― which we believe to be a fundamental element of a democratic society ― as long as such expression does not undermine public order and social harmony. In fact, the government has been receptive to all views regarding the current process of reconciliation and reform.
Third, however, like many countries around the world, Thailand is seeking to strike the right balance between upholding freedoms and ensuring security, especially in this sensitive time of transition when social division and discord can undermine our current reconciliation and reform efforts. Under the roadmap, the government continues seeking to return Thailand to a full, strengthened and sustainable democracy. A draft Constitution will be submitted to the public in a referendum set for Aug. 7, 2016. General elections are scheduled to take place in 2017.
In this regard, I, therefore, seek your kind understanding in giving the necessary time and space to let reconciliation and reforms take their course. Ultimately, sustainable reforms, which shall see Thailand through as a stable, prosperous and altogether stronger country, must come from within ― by the Thai people and for the Thai people.
First, Thailand is in a crucial period of transition, in which the government's efforts are focused on seeing through the "Roadmap for Reconciliation, Reform, and Elections" in partnership with all sectors of society.
Second, public order and social harmony are key for the government to be able to see through the roadmap. The Government has, therefore, promulgated a number of laws to ensure that public order and social harmony prevail. These laws do not impinge on general freedom of expression ― which we believe to be a fundamental element of a democratic society ― as long as such expression does not undermine public order and social harmony. In fact, the government has been receptive to all views regarding the current process of reconciliation and reform.
Third, however, like many countries around the world, Thailand is seeking to strike the right balance between upholding freedoms and ensuring security, especially in this sensitive time of transition when social division and discord can undermine our current reconciliation and reform efforts. Under the roadmap, the government continues seeking to return Thailand to a full, strengthened and sustainable democracy. A draft Constitution will be submitted to the public in a referendum set for Aug. 7, 2016. General elections are scheduled to take place in 2017.
In this regard, I, therefore, seek your kind understanding in giving the necessary time and space to let reconciliation and reforms take their course. Ultimately, sustainable reforms, which shall see Thailand through as a stable, prosperous and altogether stronger country, must come from within ― by the Thai people and for the Thai people.
Sarun Charoensuwan
Ambassador of Thailand
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