Thailand's caretaker government insists on protecting democracy

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul insists that Thailand's caretaker government is protecting democracy. Surapong declared the caretaker government's stance when he met diplomats of 50 countries, including ambassadors of 31 countries, and representatives of four international organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday to brief them on the updated domestic political situation. At the session, Surapong said Thailand had to proceed with democracy, through the February 2 general election, and its turnout was substantial, as it showed that the majority of Thai people wanted the election. Surapong dismissed the possibility of any coup d’etat, pointing out that after the general election finished, reform would be carried out before another election although the process would take times. Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra convened Royal Thai Armed Forces chiefs and the permanent secretary for defence at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok, amid heightened security measures provided by both police and soldiers, expectedly to discuss a military reshuffle in April 2014 and the updated domestic political situation.(TNA)