Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has explained the political predicament via an e-mail to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and argued against international involvement which might complicate the domestic situation, government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said yesterday.
"In his message, Abhisit pointed out to attempts to involve an international agency such as the UN in order to tip the balance one way or the other, and said this will not be in the long-term interest of Thailand," Panitan revealed.
The electronic correspondence took place after Ban called for rival sides to "do everything in their power to avoid further violence and loss of life".
Panitan said the security situation had shown signs of improving following clashes between the security forces and the red shirts on Friday night.
He said the authorities were looking into the high number of casualties, voicing suspicion that not all deaths and injuries were caused in the crossfire between security forces and red elements because a high number of men on the red-shirt side were armed and dressed like soldiers and policemen.
He urged residents living near the firing line to strictly stay inside and not to step out during exchanges of gunfire.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya issued a statement to foreign ministers of the European Union and the United States and the United Nations dismissing allegations that the government ordered the use of heavy weapons such as RPGs and M-79 grenades against anti-government protesters. On the other hand, the loss of life occurred because the protesters used weapons, the foreign minister's secretary, Chavanont Intarakomalyasut, said.
Earlier, Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the security forces did not initiate the violence but tried to fight terror activities involving unruly crowds.
Other governments would have followed the same procedures in restoring peace and normalcy just as the Thai security forces were doing, he said.
He ruled out speculation that the UN or the United States might try to step in and mediate a peaceful resolution.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Wimol Kidchob dismissed a reporter's question that the UN might dispatch a peacekeeping force.
Wimol said the possibility of the UN getting involved would come only if the situation spiralled out of control and beyond domestic capabilities to handle it.
The prevailing situation occurred because the government was trying to enforce the law to restore normalcy, and the international community understood this, Wimol said.
She said the violence would pass, and that warnings by foreign governments for their nationals to avoid certain areas were standard procedures under the circumstances.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has set up an emergency centre to assist embassies and international organisations located in Bangkok and has kept the diplomatic corps informed about security developments since March, she said.