Business as usual, says Thai PM after clashes
Posted
Thailand's Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat, says it is business as usual in the kingdom, despite yesterday's deadly clashes between police and anti-government demonstrators.
Mr Somchai spoke to Bangkok-based diplomats this morning.
In prepared remarks released to the media, he barely touched on the political crisis which led to bloody street clashes yesterday, in which two people were killed and scores more injured.
He said his Government would ensure confidence in the political system and uphold the rule of law.
Thousands of anti-government protesters besieged Parliament House yesterday as Mr Somchai delivered a key policy address.
They are from a group called the People's Alliance for Democracy, which has been trying to unseat the Government since May.
The group claims the Government is too closely tied to disgraced former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is Mr Somchai's brother-in-law.
In his address to the diplomats, Mr Somchai emphasised aims to boost the economy and restore business confidence.
He also said Thailand was committed to hosting key ASEAN meetings later this year.
