Thai PM calls for unity, promises to probe Red Shirts’ violations

BANGKOK - Thailand’s Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva has appealed to the nation to stay united in order to tide over the losses and mental anguish caused by the two-month long crisis that ended with the death of over 85 people.

He also promised an independent investigation into all crimes committed during opposition Red Shirts’ rally.

“We have restored order in Bangkok and the provinces of Thailand. We will continue to move swiftly to restore normalcy. There are huge challenges ahead of us, particularly the challenge of overcoming divisions in the country,” the Bangkok Post quoted Vejjajiva as saying.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said yesterday that the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) had also set up a special task force unit comprising police and military officers, and disaster mitigation staff from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to maintain security and peace in Bangkok and provide initial relief and aid to Bangkok residents affected by the riots, the paper reports.

Meanwhile, Jatuporn and the other eight UDD leaders have turned themselves in to face charges of violating the emergency rule decree. (ANI)