MFA stresses Thailand respects freedom of expression

MFA stresses Thailand respects freedom of expression

BANGKOK (NNT) - Following a declaration by some US Senators asking the Thai government to respect freedom of speech and assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded by saying that the Thai government has always respected freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly according to democratic values, while asking for the understanding of the US Senators.

Mr Tanee Sangrat, Director General of the Department of Information and Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commented in regard to the declaration by nine US Senators, that those senators may have received misguided information regarding the situation in Thailand.

He said that their statement is not as yet an official resolution or expression of concern from Washington D.C., adding that Thailand has always respected democratic values, including freedom of expression and the peaceful assembly of its citizens.

Earlier, the nine US Senators had written a draft resolution expressing solidarity with pro-democracy movements in Thailand. One of the nine Senators who brought up the statement is Ladda Tammy Duckworth, the first Thai American woman elected to Congress.

Government Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, stressed today that Thai authorities wouldn’t charge any protesters if the protests remained peaceful, while saying the protesters’ demands have been met in the form of a constitutional amendment, which is a process that takes time.

Mr Anucha said he hopes the United States, as a long standing partner of Thailand, would understand Thailand’s process in dealing with the situation.

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