DFA hopes for peaceful resolution to Thailand political crisis
Five days after the Thai army took control of the government in a coup, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday expressed hope military authorities will resolve the political crisis peacefully and restore civilian authority.
“As a friend and fellow ASEAN member, the Philippines hopes the Thai people will be able to resolve this latest political challenge peacefully through dialogue and in the spirit of national harmony,” DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said in a statement.
“The Philippines likewise hopes that Thai authorities will honor their commitment to respect democratic principles and human rights at all times and will restore civilian authority,” he added.
On Thursday, Thailand's army chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, seized control of the government two days after declaring martial law in a bid to “restore order and push through reforms after six months of political turmoil.”
Thai military declared a 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. curfew, suspended the constitution, ousted government officials and dissolved the Senate.
In Manila, the DFA has raised “Alert Level 2” for Filipinos in Thailand, while the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has imposed a temporary ban on the deployment of newly hired overseas Filipino workers there.
Also, the Philippine Embassy in Thailand has advised Filipinos there to “exercise extreme caution and vigilance” and carry their identification documents at all times.
Last week, the US condemned Thai army’s declaration of martial law and urged military authorities to return to "democratic principles.”
Aside from suspending about $3.5 million in military aid to Thailand, the US State Department said on Friday it is also reviewing its other dealings with its closest Southeast Asian ally.
As of Saturday, former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and 150 people were detained in a “safe place” after being summoned to an army facility in Bangkok, an aide said. — Xianne Arcangel/LBG, GMA News
“As a friend and fellow ASEAN member, the Philippines hopes the Thai people will be able to resolve this latest political challenge peacefully through dialogue and in the spirit of national harmony,” DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said in a statement.
“The Philippines likewise hopes that Thai authorities will honor their commitment to respect democratic principles and human rights at all times and will restore civilian authority,” he added.
On Thursday, Thailand's army chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, seized control of the government two days after declaring martial law in a bid to “restore order and push through reforms after six months of political turmoil.”
Thai military declared a 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. curfew, suspended the constitution, ousted government officials and dissolved the Senate.
In Manila, the DFA has raised “Alert Level 2” for Filipinos in Thailand, while the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has imposed a temporary ban on the deployment of newly hired overseas Filipino workers there.
Also, the Philippine Embassy in Thailand has advised Filipinos there to “exercise extreme caution and vigilance” and carry their identification documents at all times.
Last week, the US condemned Thai army’s declaration of martial law and urged military authorities to return to "democratic principles.”
Aside from suspending about $3.5 million in military aid to Thailand, the US State Department said on Friday it is also reviewing its other dealings with its closest Southeast Asian ally.
As of Saturday, former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and 150 people were detained in a “safe place” after being summoned to an army facility in Bangkok, an aide said. — Xianne Arcangel/LBG, GMA News
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