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Published on July 27, 2007

The foreign dignitaries were shown video clips of the rioting in front of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda's residence.

Foreign Ministry spokes-man Tharit Charoonwat said the diplomats were interested in knowing why the number of demonstrators had fluctuated quickly, whether the ongoing rallies would interrupt next month's referendum on the new constitution and what kind of lessons could be drawn from the violent confrontation.

They also wanted to know whether future demonstrations would be permitted, he said.

The ministry said in a press statement that "police tried unsuccessfully and repeatedly to persuade the protesters to end their rally, as the loud and provocative rhetoric was deemed to cause a breach of the peace".

"The protesters became even more aggressive, hurling rocks and other projectiles at police officers and attacking them with makeshift weapons."

It also pointed out that the police were unarmed, carrying only riot shields for defensive purposes, as they were under strict instructions to exercise maximum restraint.

It said the government recognised the right of citizens to "peaceful assembly and the freedom to express their opinions".

"At the same time, the exercise of such rights must be within the law and not threaten public safety, public order, or the rights and freedoms of others, as stated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."