Navy Chief : Thaksin’s phone-in will not affect Govt’s work

Navy Chief : Thaksin’s phone-in will not affect Govt’s work

The Navy Commander has expressed his belief that the former Prime Minister’s phone-in will not affect the government’s operation and that Thai people will use their discretion when receiving information through the media.

In response to the ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s planned phone-in on March 12 from the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Hong Kong, the Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Kamthorn Phumhiran deemed the information to be included in his speech as merely a personal viewpoint. He concurrently voiced his confidence that all Thai citizens would be capable of exercising their judgment and referring to past experiences while hearing such controversial statement. The Navy Chief also assured that the move would not disrupt the government’s administration by any means.

As for the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest against the Prime Minister and Cabinet members during their provincial visit, Admiral Kamthorn reminded that every individual has the right to express opinion as long as it is in compliance with the law. In addition, he believed that the majority of Thai citizens understand and realize the government’s determination in driving the country forward.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009