Thai army remains neutral, plans mapped out to help int'l tourists during "Bangkok shutdown"

BANGKOK, January 9 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Army has reiterated its neutrality and its role on upholding the Kingdom’s four main institutions, including the nation, the monarchy, the religions and the people. Amid domestic political protests, Royal Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Colonel Wintai Suwaree acknowledged on Thursday that Thai Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha is concerned over the domestic political situation, but affirming that the Royal Thai Army will keep trying to do everything for the sake of public and national safety, while having maintained its stance and roles to most suit the situation. The deputy army spokesman dismissed claims by some groups that the Royal Thai Army has taken side, between the caretaker government and anti-government protesters, and it is waiting for an opportunity "to take an action", apparently meaning a coup. Meanwhile, concerned government agencies and the private sector held a meeting at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in the capital, chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, to discuss ways to assist international visitors during “Bangkok shutdown” next Monday planned by anti-government protesters. Caretaker Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt later told reporters that prepared measures include a plan to set up a temporary office at Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport to provide assistance to international travelers. The caretaker transport minister announced that, in case of any emergency, commercial airlines could switch to land at either Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok or U-Tapao Airport in the Thai East, noting that another meeting will be held on Friday to discuss transport services to be provided and to facilitate the public during the "Bangkok shutdown" on Jaunaury 13. Tourism Council of Thailand chief Piyaman Tejapaibul assessed that the number of international visitors to the Kingdom this month could drop by about 400,000 and Thailand's tourism-related revenues should, thus, fall short from an earlier target by about 16 per cent or 18 billion baht. Concerned over next Monday's mass demonstrations, three international airlines, including Singapore, Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific Airlines, with about 30 combined flights, have already canceled their flights to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.(TNA)