Good evening dear citizens.

 

On the auspicious occasion of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 2 April, the government would like to invite all members of the public to convey their best wishes to Her Royal Highness, and to join together to do good deeds in line with the project called 'aspiring for decency, for the auspicious year, starting with our hearts'.  Everything starts from one's own initiation, and is then shared with others.  The project was initiated by the government in order to exemplify the love and gratitude that the Thai people have for Her Royal Highness.

 

The extensive Royal duties conducted by Her Royal Highness clearly demonstrate Her Royal Highness's commitment and ability to improve the living quality of children and the underprivileged in rural areas, thus allowing them to stand on their own.  This has made Thais regard Her Royal Highness as truly the “people’s princess”.

 

I would like to thank the MCOT, Nitiphong Honak, Athit Sarachutha, Chakrawut Sawaengphon, Katunyu Miphon, Aphisit Na Takangthung, Chanwut Bunyaem and Niwat Amsaeng for the composition and lyrics of the song 'Chao Fah Khon Dern Din” [ the People’s Princess].  I also extend my thanks to the staff and the artists who represented the people of this country in expressing their sentiments and their loyalty towards our Princess through the making of this song, which is a very charming work of music with an impressive music video.

 

Many good things are taking shape in Thailand right now.  This week, I surveyed Phadung Krung Kasem Canal via a scenic boat ride, which provided beautiful views of the canal system in Bangkok.  Some adjustments may be needed to make improvements.  We Thais are not frequently afforded the opportunity now to experience what I saw on this boat ride, even though Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East.  I would like all of us to contribute to the conservation and improvement of these sites so they may become new tourist attractions and recreational sites.  Many historic buildings and temples already possess unique beauty.  Given this, there is no need to build new things – we only need to restore these existing national treasures to their full glory.  The development of communities along the banks of canals would spur an increase in water transportation.  This has been piloted on a 6-kilometer stretch and has had an impact on the reduction of road traffic congestion.  This initiative will be expanded to other places, and the problem of polluted water will be addressed simultaneously.

 

The government has been trying to re-organize various affairs.  There are people who have been afflicted by this re-organization drive.  The cessation of illegal activities is one of the reform issues.  Therefore government places importance on mitigating negative affects from this re-organization drive and in finding aid and rehabilitation measures – both for the initial phase and the longer term.  Cooperation will be needed from all parties.  Everyone should also be mindful of the laws and regulations, and of the national interest.

 

At the moment the government is continuing to address many key issues, particularly those affecting households that have accumulated over time.  But it is also no longer useful to point the blame for something that has already happened.  We cannot change the past, but we can designate the future.  We can determine our own destiny if we put our efforts and hearts to it.

 

Many groups have come out to oppose the work of this government.  I do not think this benefit anyone.  The public will, after following the work of the government and after listening to these groups, realize that they haven’t really said anything substantive.  All things can be explained with reason.  If you are to trust me, then do so with reason and principles.  The government is willing to listen to all constructive criticisms – comments on issues that need to be addressed.  It is hardly appropriate to denounce every single thing I do and then brand me as someone who is against any opposition.  I am not banning objections at all, so please tell us about your objections.  Please consider the future of our nation when doing this.  New rules have to be forged.  We are about to become part of the ASEAN Community – we cannot stand still or fall behind.  We must build on our strengths and step forward.  Time is limited, and this government has been pursuing the initial phase of reform.  The next administrations will have to continue the work.  Everything will rest with the public in the end.  Public participation must be encouraged, and the interest of the nation has to be considered as the prime agenda.  Through mutual cooperation, the public will receive satisfaction from affairs undertaken on their behalf by the government.

 

With the regards to Section 44, this has already been place since the promulgation of the interim constitution. So with the revocation of martial law, it was necessary to clearly stipulate the powers the government in the handling of security affairs.  The existence of Section 44 also helps prevent problems that may arise out of extended enforcement of the internal security bill and the emergency decree, given that there have been a small group of people who have been causing damage to the country.  I am not blaming the public in general, but it’s about some ring leaders who deliberately cause division, initiate quarrels, and then use violence which results in injuries and further loss – and then they don’t take any responsibility. Then the government was unable to act, and officials were unable to enforce the law.  Everyday life became distressed. Then think about the moderate members of society, those who don’t take sides and did not want to engage in conflicts.  Today, I would like these moderates to help me with our development.  Politics, economy and governance have been at a standstill and the legislative, as were the executive and judicial branches.  Arrests could not be made and illegal activities went unopposed.  At present, we are not being lenient on any issue and some groups may have been afflicted.  Give us some time so we may fix it.  We are also working on legalities associated with the maintaining of law and order.

 

Freedom and rights have to fall within a framework that ensures others are not afflicted or violated.  There are numerous channels for objections to be expressed, employing democratic methods.  So using violence such as shootouts on the road are unacceptable.

 

Hence, enforcement of martial law was necessary at first, in order to pause any situation that may develop into violence and cause casualties – the kind of violence that existed in the 5-6 months period before we came in.  If we had not intervened then, we would not be here today.  Currently, everybody is cooperating with one another and rifts have lessened.  Therefore usage of Section 44 is being made clearer today.  This only involves writing the stipulations in more detail as Section 44 already existed.  This does not involve human rights violations or having power over the courts.  The meaning here is that this section allows government work to progress when it would normally be obstructed by other legalities.  This is what I mean by 'constructive'.  I would like people to understand this issue and no longer engage in conflicts over it.  I am only trying to keep the peace.  Please help to foster this understanding among us and among foreign nations.

 

Currently there is a group of Thais and foreigners who reside overseas that continue to dispense false information and cause misunderstandings about Thailand to other countries. I would like to ask all of you to come back and stop what you are attempting to do, because it damages the nation as a whole. Come talk to me if you have a problem with me. Don’t just go about saying non-sense that creates a negative image for Thailand. Please don’t make up lies and cause misperceptions. Don’t you feel guilty for what you are doing, and don’t you love your country? I don’t mind if you hate me or are angry at me, but there is no need for you to bring down our country once you can’t benefit from it or do not hold any power. If you think like this, then it is a terrible thing you are doing. Please reconsider your actions. I would like to urge all state agencies to create understanding among our friends in other nations, namely human rights commissions in western countries and in ASEAN region. Nowadays, even some of our own people don’t understand what is going on or might have forgotten what has happened in the past. Then they just demand greater equality and accessibility and protection from being bullied, without realizing that there are other people who have been abused and hurt. Why don’t you rise up for them, those who do not want conflict, and protect their rights? There are more than 60 million people here in Thailand whose rights have been abused by a small number of individuals. Why don’t you protect their rights? What about government officials who had been injured. I ask all Thai people to consider this. The National Human Rights Commission needs to make sure that the rights of innocent people are not violated. However I am not going to force you to do anything you don’t wish to do.

 

Many countries now welcome the fact that Thailand is experiencing a more peaceful atmosphere. Neighboring countries as well as China, India, and Japan have come to have discussions with me. They are looking for more mutually beneficial cooperation. They want to be trade and investment partners with Thailand. The Thai government will push for more investments domestically as well. Statistics provided by the BOI show that Thailand has seen increasing investment activities, most of them involve innovation and technology. It cannot be denied that there are some setbacks for businesses due to the economic slowdown, but there are also businesses that are recovering gradually. It is incomplete to say that the whole economy is going down. In fact, Thai economy is somewhat stable. However, businesses need to support each other more if we are to thrive. You cannot do it by yourself. I promise that the whole economic structure will be reformed. Everything will get better soon.

 

Next is about the implementation of various projects. Projects that are transparent are now being pioneered. Every project is closely monitored under Article 44. We will mobilize all efforts to ensure security and peace as well as boost foreigners’ confidence.

 

Although the situation today has been more peaceful, as I mentioned before, there are still some groups of people who are looking to politically gain by refusing to acknowledge the state that Thailand is in now. They advocate that there was nothing wrong in the country in the first place, and so continue to create misunderstanding with foreigners to create more uncertainty. If there was nothing wrong in the first place, we would not be where we are now. Now our international friends are more confident in Thailand. I will adjust and develop the use of my powers in the correct and best possible way. I can assure you that the government puts national interest before its own, and has therefore revoked the enforcement of martial law and imposed Article 44 of the interim Constitution in its place. Article 44 is more suitable to the current situation. You don’t need to be worried if you are not doing anything illegal. We need to take a more constructive approach to address some urgent issues, because the old system didn’t work in some aspects. This goes for some national security issues as well, such as the matter of arresting lawbreakers and or violators. Please understand why some matters require a military court, as they involve crime of a particular type. There have been no restrictions on carrying out with your daily routines. I only ask you not to do anything that damages the country. If this is explained correctly, then people will understand. So please avoid stirring conflicts or cause more misperceptions of Thailand by international community. If you don’t like me personally I don’t mind if you criticize me, but don’t discredit the nation. I would like the public to be at peace and for citizens not be apprehensive about this system. The government will do its best to protect your safety and your property.

 

The government is currently asking for cooperation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO, which oversees aviation standards and procedures of member countries around the world, is closely monitoring Thailand. Although Thailand has not been downgraded, the international aviation regulator voiced its concern over Thailand’s safety standards, urging us to fix the existing aviation glitches, particularly the restructuring of the Department of Civil Aviation, employment of more qualified specialists, increasing of budgets and amendment of laws. I can affirm that our safety standards are still high, but have to admit that new equipment is needed. We have been using the same system for approximately 10 years now without any renovation. We will address this problem swiftly and will comply with the ICAO. The current administration is adamant to resolve this issue within 30 days, which is the first phase. A new committee will be set up to replace the old one which consists of 11-12 members. The plan should take approximately 90 days. The ICAO is giving Thailand 3 months to overhaul the system, but I want it fixed within the next 30 days. I have instructed the Civil Aviation Department to add more specialists and will utilize Article 44 in order to make the new system work. We will hire experts from foreign countries to help us fix these glitches. Everything must be finished within 1 month. The next phase which will run for 90 days is about establishing the “National Institute of Civil Aviation”. Today, Thailand sees a large number of flights each day; therefore, we must have more staff to handle the increasing number. There must be a clear guideline as to who will be the agency supervising aviation and who will be the working group whose responsibility it is to contact and work with foreign airlines and agencies. We never had this kind of organized system before. We must readjust the whole structure.  Normally the whole process is expected to take up to one and a half years. But under Article 44, the process could be shortened to 3 months. The Transport Minister promised that the new system will be ready for use within 3 months. There will be training for aviation staff and employees. We will procure high tech equipment. We will also seek cooperation from international organizations to improve our system. In addition, we need to regain other nations’ trust.

 

Let us now talk about forest encroachment and land allocation for low-income people. Several laws need to be amended before we can address this problem and it could take a long time, given that there are many stakeholders involved. It could even take years. Today, the government will use its power under Article 44 to amend laws that will help low-income people. I can assure you that the government will utilize its power granted by Article 44 of the provisional Constitution to implement policies and initiate projects that will truly benefit the society. If Article 44 wasn’t introduced, it would take years before we can move forward. This is what the provisional charter was made for.

 

Canals in Bangkok will be dredged in order to improve the drainage system. I will make sure that the people will be least affected when the water comes. We have adjusted our working strategies. I have instructed the Interior Ministry, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and other water-related agencies to find out how we can dredge canals where 4,000-5,000 families reside. How can we work without disturbing these families? We are adjusting our strategies. Authorities will inform you once they have come up with a solution.

 

There has been a slight change made to this program as I will not be the only person talking on the show. Today, you will hear from Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security. He will be talking to you about several issues related to national security. My job is to initiate, regulate policies, hold discussions with authorities, find solutions, and put an end to existing problems. Then deputy prime ministers will carry out tasks in cooperation with responsible ministers. More than 10 working committees have been set up to oversee the implementation, ensure transparency and progress as well as conduct evaluation. The government also needs cooperation from the private sector if it is to achieve its goals. Everything the government and the NCPO have been doing is for a better future of Thailand.  Not only Gen Prawit, other ministers will be joining me every Friday. They will take turns and come talk to you. You will be informed of what these ministers have done for you and the country. They never had a chance to speak before, causing misunderstanding of public towards their intentions. I can tell you that everyone is working very hard for you. Now they have a channel to reach you. Please ask them should you have any questions. I wish you all happiness.

 

Thank you and goodbye

 

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