The UN secretary general says the United Nations is ready to provide technical support to the Thai Solidarity Committee to settle domestic social and political problems. Requests are made for the release of Red-Shirt leaders.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
By Asia News
via CAAI
Bangkok – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and his wife Bun Soon-Taek made a one-day visit to Thailand before attending the third joint UN-ASEAN summit. At a meeting in New York on 6 October, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had invited him to Bangkok for the launch of the Enhancing Lives of Female Inmates (ELFI) project, better known as the Kamlangjai project, promoted by Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha. For the Thai prime minister, he visit would enhance Thailand’s creative role in the region, and improve opportunities to start bilateral talks at Government House.
“I hope Thailand will attain harmony by mutual discussion,” Ban Ki-Moon said after the meeting with the Thai leader. This way, there might be “a better solution for the loss of 91 people” based on a “transparent investigation with both sides taking part,” thus “strengthening the Thai nation.”
“The crisis in Thailand is an internal matter,” the UN secretary general added. Thais should solve their own political and social problems, but the “UN is ready to give technical support to the Thai Solidarity Committee”, something that “we have already done”.
Responding to a question from a reporter about the case of Red-Shirt leader Arisman Phongroengwrong, Prime Minister Vejjajiva said that the Thai government has evidence that he is hiding in Cambodia, but such an issue would “not affect relations between Cambodia and Thailand.”
“We should proceed on the basis that the neighbouring country will co-operate in matters that will affect the stability of the nation. [Cambodian] Prime Minister Hun Sen said that if there is proof that anyone who broke the law is hiding in Cambodia he is ready to co-operate.”
In the afternoon, Jatuporn Phrompan presented Ban Ki-Moon documents and a CD prepared by the Pheu Thai Party on the events of May. He also presented a copy to the United Nations offices in Thailand, saying that the “Thai people are dividing into groups and that the government is not paying much attention to the movement.”
Comparing the events of 19 May to the bloody crackdown in the South Korean city of Gwangju in 1980, Jatuporn called for the release of Red-Shirt leaders whose bail application has been turned down.
Ms Phimpa Vejjajiva, wife of the Thai prime minister, accompanied Ms Soon-Taek visited the Klong Prame Prison for Women. Through the Kamlangjai Project, prisoners are provided with moral support, basic healthcare and an opportunity for social reintegration.
Pregnant inmates are also allowed to keep their babies and breast-feed them inside the facility.
Source: Asia News
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