BANGKOK, Nov 17 — Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda asked the mass media to help create a positive atmosphere in the country.
Gen Anupong said he has no problem with any symbolic and peaceful gathering.
Before accompanying Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to the Northeast to inspect a developing drought situation, Gen Anupong said he believed that people understood the work of the government, so he would like all parties to cooperate by helping one another to maintain order.
He said people could have symbolic gatherings as long as they were peaceful, and that differing opinions were acceptable as long as they were free of conflict.
In response to concerns about conflicts between the military and the media, the interior minister said that the government was aware of the important role of the media and did not want to limit their rights, but he cautioned that the media should understand that the government had to solve many problems.
The media could greatly contribute to national administration by helping create a peaceful atmosphere.
“I would like to ask the media to help create a peaceful atmosphere. The government must solve disasters, economic problems and water shortages. If we help one another by adhering to transparency and honest work without any hidden agenda, a peaceful atmosphere can happen. I am asking the media to lend a helping hand,” Gen Anupong said.
