FM criticises report Thaksin may ask UN protection
Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram lashed out on Thursday a report that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may seek protection from United Nations if he decided to return home.
Nitya was responding to a news report that quoted Thaksin's spokesman, Noppadon Pattama, as saying Thaksin may end his exile and return home to fight embezzlement charges.Noppadon reportedly said that Thaksin may ask UN High Commission for Refugees to provide protection for him as the military junta refused to guarantee his safety. "I could not understand on what ground that Khun Thaksin will ask the UN. They should read the UN convention carefully and thoroughly. The UN will intervene into a country's internal affairs only if that government invites it to do so," the minister said. The UN will step in just there is serious violence or conflict in a country. Meanwhile Noppadon told reporters that he will recommend Thaksin who is now in London not to return home in this period for fearing of his safety. He said the military junta's chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin did not guarantee Thaksin's safety if he decided to return to Thailand. Sonthi said on Wednesday that if Thaksin is back in the country, many people were frustrated. "If he comes at this time of crisis, please do not forget that most people still remember the old feelings. So if Mr Thaksin returns now, it may not be safe." The Nation
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