The military regime and the government yesterday brushed off anti-coup protests at the United Nations in New York, saying the move would not cast Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in a bad light or undermine him at the summit.
Col Winthai Suvaree, spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said the prime minister’s visit was not ruined by the anti-coup protests and he received a warm welcome from his supporters in the US.
He pointed out that demonstrations at the UN General Assembly were common and the protests against the Thai leader were unlikely to attract special attention or damage the country’s image.
The regime spokesman expressed confidence the international community now has a better understanding of the political situation in Thailand. Col Winthai said the endorsement of Bangkok by the group of 77 developing nations (G-77) to chair the 51-year-old bloc at the UN for 20162017 is proof of the international community’s confidence.
Gen Prayut arrived in New York last week to attend the United Nations General Assembly. The highlight of his trip will be an address to the assembly on Wednesday at 6am Thai time.
Government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday Gen Prayut’s appearance at several key UN forums also reflected an acceptance from the international community.
Without contribution from the Thai public, the government’s efforts alone could not achieve this, he said.
“Foreign countries understand now that we do have problems and we want to solve them. They also have confidence the government will do its best and take the country toward democracy,” Maj Gen Sansern quoted the prime minister as saying.
About 100 Thais demonstrated in front of UN Headquarters on Saturday as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha made his first appearance at the UN General Assembly in New York.