Thai senators warn United States politicians not to interfere with Thai affairs

Thai senators are warning United States senators not to meddle in Thai politics and affairs. The warning comes at a time of ongoing pro-democracy protests with calls for monarchy reformation, a taboo and controversial subject in Thai society. They say interference in Thai affairs will hurt Thai-US relations which date back around 200 years.

The warning follows a resolution introduced by the US Senate to show support for Thailand’s pro-democracy movement and urge the Thai government to stop responding to the protests with violence. In some major protests in Bangkok, police have used high pressure water cannons laced with tear gas to break up protest crowds.

Thai-born US senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois backs the resolution and says she urges Thai leaders to listen to the people and respect democratic principles.

“As a Thai-American who fought to protect the right to peacefully protest here at home, I know that both the long-standing, strong relationship between the US and Thailand as well as every individual’s inalienable democratic rights are critically important to uphold and defend.”

Head of Thailand’s Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Pikulkaew Krairerk, says Thailand upholds a democratic system with HM the King as head of the state. She adds that the government is also determined to solve problems… peacefully.

Thailand’s democratic process was interrupted in 2014 when the Royal Thai Army conducted a coup, abolishing the 2007 constitution and replacing the civilian government with a military junta under the then-general Prayut Chan-o-cha. The junta’s National Council for Peace and Order drafted a new constitution in 2017 and, according to the resolution by the US Senate, was served to “erode Thailand’s democracy and constitutional protection of rights.” Protesters are now calling on a rewrite of the constitution.

Pikilkaew argues that the current government was democratically elected and the constitution upholds the fundamental principles of the rights and liberties of the people. She goes on to say that any American politician with concerns or questions regarding Thai politics should contact the Thai embassy and consulates in the US.

Royalists, who support the Thai Monarchy, have been accusing the United States government of backing Thailand’s pro-democracy movement in a so-called hybrid war. Back in October, they held a protest in front of the US Embassy in Bangkok, calling on American politicians to stop interfering with Thai affairs.

Click HERE to read the US Senate resolution.

SOURCE: Thai PBS

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