PM to people: Protect monarchy

Avoid sensitive issues, concentrate on post-flood recovery, Yingluck pleads

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday called on Thais to help protect the monarchy and avoid abusing the institution for political advantage.

She added that the government would focus on campaigning for good understanding among different elements in society.

When asked whether her government supported the campaign to seek amendment to Article 112 of the Penal Code about lese majeste, the prime minister replied: "We are not doing this now. We should focus on solving economic problems."

Yingluck said she had asked government figures to avoid certain sensitive issues and to focus instead on rehabilitation work aimed at restoring confidence in Thailand after the recent severe floods.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday expressed his opposition to the campaign for amendment to Article 112 and insisted that the ruling Pheu Thai Party would not back the proposed changes.

"The party will definitely not amend this article. I will oppose whoever proposes its amendment," he said. "This is Thailand and we are happy because of the royal kindness. Don't you have anything else to do?"

The veteran politician said, however, that the ruling party would support amendment to the Constitution, starting with changing certain clauses to allow the establishment of a new constitution-drafting committee. He noted that amending the Constitution was among the party's election-campaign promises.

Meanwhile, Sanan Kachorn-prasart, chief adviser to the coalition Chart Thai Pattana Party, yesterday criticised the Nitirat group for seeking amendments aimed at limiting the power of the monarchy.

Sanan said the political situation appeared to be worsening, with the Nitirat campaign likely to lead to renewed conflict. He said the group's members, consisting of academics in their 30s and 40s, should study Thai history to understand that the monarchy contributed to society and the country's survival.

The Nitirat group of law experts are suggesting a constitutional amendment that would require a new head of state to be sworn in and vow to abide by and protect the Constitution before assuming the post. The proposal was part of a 15-point guideline for constitutional amendment made by the group on Sunday.

Chief opposition whip Jurin Laksanavisit from the Democrat Party yesterday said it appeared that Nitirat and Pheu Thai shared the goal of whitewashing wrongdoings for a particular person.

He said the opposition was against amending Article 112 as it would be tantamount to reducing the status of the monarchy. He also voiced opposition to the proposal for a new head of state to take part in a swearing-in ceremony.

"The requirement that kings have to be sworn in before assuming post is not compatible with the national tradition. It is more like a presidential system," he said.