I am concerned about the situation in Thailand and am carefully monitoring developments there. I had been aware of the political difficulties in that country and, indeed, had had an opportunity to discuss the situation there with the then Foreign Minister of Thailand, when he visited Ireland a few weeks ago, but the staging of a coup was unexpected.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, supported a statement issued by the Finnish EU Presidency immediately after the coup which condemned the take-over of power from the democratic government of Thailand by the Thai military forces, demanded that the military forces stand back and give way to the democratically-elected political government and expressed the hope that Thailand will soon be able to return to democratic order.
We were also party to a follow-up EU Statement delivered on 28 September reiterating the great importance that the EU attaches to Thailand's speedy return to democracy and constitutional order, legitimised by free and democratic elections to be held as soon as possible. The statement went on to call for martial law to give way, without delay, to the rule of ordinary law with full respect for human rights and civil liberties. Noting the military leadership's assurances that Thailand will continue to abide by the United Nations Charter and international treaties and agreements, the EU stated that the decisions and actions of the new military-appointed government will be evaluated by the EU in the light of Thailand's international obligations, inter alia in the area of human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, as well as the military leadership’s specific assurances to this respect as mentioned above. It concluded by emphasising that it is for the people of Thailand as a whole to decide upon Thailand’s future government.
I recognise that a difficult political situation had prevailed in the country for some time; that the coup was carried out without bloodshed; that the coup leaders agreed to abide by the United Nations Charter and international law; that they received the endorsement by King Bhumipol Adulyadej to create an interim Government; that some powers, at least, are being transferred to the newly-appointed interim Prime Minister, and the Cabinet due to be appointed this week; and that a commitment has been given to holding elections within a year, and to the restoration of full democratic government thereafter.
However, the Irish Government – as a fundamental principle — cannot accept military coups as a legitimate way to resolve political difficulties in Thailand, or anywhere else. While reassured in some respects by the commitments made by the coup leaders, I remain concerned about a number of issues. My concerns relate, in particular, to the protection of human rights and civil liberties, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, during the interim period; to the year-long delay envisaged before elections are held and democratic government restored; to the degree of control still retained by the coup leaders under the new interim Constitution; and the extent to which the people of Thailand and representative groups will be able to input into the drafting of the new Constitution.
Along with my EU colleagues, I will continue to monitor the situation carefully and use all diplomatic and other channels to ensure compliance with the commitments entered into by the military leaders and interim Government, and the earliest possible return to fully democratic political processes and Government, controlled by the people of Thailand as a whole.