UN anti-junta protests not disruptive

28 กันยายน 2558

Thus far, demonstrations near the UN in New York โ€“ for and against the Prayut government โ€“ have been small and peaceful as the PM prepares to address the General Assemby on Wednesday.

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Government dismisses UN protests

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The military regime and the government brushed off anti-coup protests at the United Nations in New York Sunday, saying the move would not cast Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in a bad light or undermine him at the summit.

Col Winthai Suvaree, spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said the prime minister's visit was not ruined by the anti-coup protests and he received a warm welcome from his supporters in the US.

He pointed out that demonstrations at the UN General Assembly were common and the protests against the Thai leader were unlikely to attract special attention or damage the country's image.

The regime spokesman expressed confidence the international community now has a better understanding of the political situation in Thailand. Col Winthai said the endorsement of Bangkok by the group of 77 developing nations (G-77) to chair the 51-year-old bloc at the UN for 2016-2017 is proof of the international community's confidence.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha spoke Sunday at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: A Commitment to Action. Spokesmen in Bangkok cited the speech as proof that the military regime is accepted by the world. (Photo courtesy of Government House)

Gen Prayut arrived in New York last week to attend the United Nations General Assembly. The highlight of his trip will be an address to the assembly on Wednesday at 6am Thai time.

Government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Gen Prayut's appearance at several key UN forums also reflected an acceptance from the international community.

About 100 Thais demonstrated in front of UN Headquarters on Saturday as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha made his first appearance at the UN General Assembly.

"We love you Prayut!" yelled supporters in yellow shirts on one side. "Prayut get out!" yelled detractors on the other. The rival groups were separated by protesters from other countries. Each side had about 50 to 60 supporters from across the United States.

"I feel like Thailand has become so much more peaceful since Gen Prayut has been in power," said Wanida Sreewarom, who took a flight from Los Angeles and arrived in New York at 6am that day. "I've sacrificed my time and work to be here so I can show that I support him, especially when I heard that others were protesting against him."

"Our past governments have had so much corruption and we want to move forward," said Atrisak Jesdanun, 78. "We want reform and we want Gen Prayut to reform the constitution."

"He is someone who works hard and is committed to Thailand. What he is doing is necessary for the country," said Tanya Pramongkit, a 47-year-old graphic designer from Chantaburi.

Red-shirt protesters called for a return to democracy and an end to Section 44 and Section 112, known as the lese majeste law.

"I'm disappointed that Thailand is not a democracy," said Darunee Kitboonyalai, a red-shirt activist who says she fled the country after being charged with lese majeste. "We don't have fundamental rights in Thailand. I love the King, but why can't we have a democracy?"

"I feel like there are so many people who want to express themselves in Thailand, but can't," said Chutiphong Pippoinyo, a 26 year-old who flew in from San Francisco.

He says he rounded up messages from his friends, many of them university students involved in activism in Bangkok, to share at the protest. "I'm here so Prayut knows what my friends and I have to say."

Patcha Boonkerd, a 27-year-old studying in New York, came to the protests after seeing messages posted on Facebook.

"I just want a government that we have actually voted for," said Ms Patcha, who is from Ayuttaya and is studying in New York. "I can accept it if someone says that we're not ready for a democracy, but I can't accept that the current government is pretending and saying that we live in a democracy."

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