Prayut warns PDRC, reds against unrest

Prayut warns PDRC, reds against unrest

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called on political groups to refrain from engaging in any agitation and vowed to take tough legal measures if they ignored his warning.

His remark was made yesterday after the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) locked horns over an impeachment request against former Senate speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich and ex-House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranon.

The PDRC reportedly threatened to pressure the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) into voting to accept the impeachment petition for consideration, prompting the red-shirt UDD to threaten a counter-move. 

Gen Prayut said it would be better if these political groups put on hold any political activity during his government. They should wait until a new election has ushered in a new government, he said.

The prime minister said security authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and will roll out measures to make sure there is not another round of political conflict.

"If their actions are deemed trouble-making, legal measures will be enforced," he said.

"It is not right to mobilise people to join protests. Don't make threats or counter threats. So far, the NCPO and the government have been using their powers to solve problems. Don't pressure us into using draconian laws," he said.

Commenting on the impeachment bid against the politicians, Gen Prayut said it is up to the NLA, not the government.

Gen Prayut urged the media to avoid reporting the movements of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra if they threatened to create or deepen the existing conflict.

A number of newspapers and TV stations have been reporting Thaksin's movements, such as his recent visit to Japan and China with his sister, ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon yesterday warned politicians not to create further rifts and end up destabilising the country.

He said the government is working hard to solve the country's problems and its efforts should not be undermined.

"The government is trying to ensure justice and fairness. The prime minister is doing all he can," he said.

He expressed confidence that the public is giving the government its full support; however, he refused to discuss the possibility of lifting martial law.

Meanwhile, PDRC member Thaworn Senneam said yesterday the group was not making threats or holding any rally against the NLA, it was just demanding that the NLA do its job.

He said Mr Nikhom and Mr Somsak were accused of abuse of power — a charge which could lead to their impeachment and a ban from politics.

If the NLA, which functions as the Senate, refuses to hear the impeachment case, it would not be doing its job, Mr Thaworn said.

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