Text of PM's TV speech | Bangkok Post: news

Following is the official text of the televised speech to the nation by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Thursday night on invoking the Internal Security Act. The text was provided by Government House.

My fellow Thai citizens,.                                                                 I wish to inform you of the reasons behind the Government's decision to announce the use of the Internal Security Act BE 2551 (2008) (ISA) in three districts of Bangkok, namely Phra Nakorn, Pomprab Sattrupai, and Dusit, and the setting up of. the "Law and Order Administrative Centre" under the command of the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. The ISA will be effective from 22 to 30 November 2012. I would like to emphasise that the Government fully adhere to the democratic system of government with the monarchy as Head of State. The Government believes in freedom of expression and is convinced that the Parliament is the place for the people's representatives to settle differences in viewpoints and resolve political conflicts. This is the appropriate channel in accordance with democratic rule. The Parliament also has the duty of monitoring the work of the Government, as demonstrated by the no-confidence motion that will take place in the next few days. On my part, I stand ready to listen to the diversity of view and offer my explanations in accordance with the democratic parliamentary system.I became Prime Minister through free and fair elections by the people, under the democratic process with the monarchy as Head of State. I maintain that all the decisions that I and the Government have made, have been and will be in the best interests of the Thai people. It is my duty to protect the revered institutions of the nation, religion, and the monarchy.Being a democracy nevertheless, is not only about exercising ones' freedoms. The rule of law must also be observed and obeyed. Our society can co-exist only if there are rules and boundaries for the exercise of rights and freedoms. By exercising these rights and freedom, it must not impinge on the rights and freedoms of others. Indeed, it is our common duty to protect our democracy so that it is not threatened by those who prefer otherwise.Public gatherings and protests, especially those arising from public grievances, is provided for...