The Foreign Ministry has welcomed the idea of allowing embassy staff to observe the general election but not non-residents or foreign organisations.
Minister Don Pramudwinai told the media yesterday that the Election Commission (EC) had sought the ministry's view on election observation by foreigners.
"We told the EC that the government allows staff at embassies in the country to help monitor the poll but we don't think non-residents or foreign organisations should take part since it would be viewed as bringing in outsiders," he said.
Mr Don added that having embassy staff participate would be sufficient to bolster confidence in the process.
"Why would we want outsiders to scrutinise the process so they can find faults with it? Developed countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore don't have outsiders keeping watch on their internal affairs.
"If we allow them [foreigners] in, it shows Thailand still has problems. Do we want to see our country as chaotic or do we believe we can handle the situation by ourselves? Although we have a coup-installed government, we can handle it [the poll] by ourselves," he said.
Asked whether Thailand would be criticised for lacking transparency, Mr Don said the embassy staff already numbered 100 which, when coupled with local observers, would be more than adequate.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Bangkok's Charge d'Affaires Peter Haymond said it is important that Thai people have freedom of expression.
"I think international observers can certainly help advise the government or help be another set of eyes on how the process is working. But the decision on what will achieve, what will constitute the free and fair elections, in the end, is for the Thai people," he said.
The European Union (EU) also commented on the lifting of restrictions on political activities in Thailand, saying free elections were needed.
"We look forward to an open and peaceful election campaign, with the government ensuring the freedom of expression needed for a democratic process. We expect credible, inclusive and competitive elections with a level playing field for all parties, followed by the appointment of a democratically elected civilian government," it said.
