PM: Don’t let unrest like France happen in Thailand

BANGKOK – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the national police chief to monitor unrest in France and prepare measures to prevent similar incidents in Thailand, saying the two countries have different social contexts.

Speaking at Government House on Thursday, Anutin said he contacted National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma after the unrest broke out in France, asking police to monitor developments and prevent the situation from escalating or similar incidents from occurring in Thailand.

Anutin said Thailand did not have the same internal conflicts as France and described Thai society as living in peace and unity. He also cited differences in the countries’ social and cultural makeup.

However, he said police were responsible for maintaining national security and public order and therefore needed to study the situation and prepare accordingly.

Earlier on Thursday, National Security Council Secretary-General Gen. Chaiyapruek Duangprapat convened a meeting with military commanders, security and intelligence agencies, and administrative officials to align their understanding and develop a common strategy, Anutin said.