Thailand: Ban reaffirms UN’s readiness to support country’s return to democracy
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to support Thailand as the country prepares to vote on a final draft Constitution.
Mr. Ban spoke by telephone yesterday with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-O-Cha.
“The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to support Thailand during this critical juncture to facilitate a swift return to democracy,” said a statement released by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.
Referring to reports about restrictions on the freedoms of expression, opinion and assembly ahead of the 7 August referendum on the draft Constitution, the Secretary-General stressed that an open and inclusive debate would be essential to ensuring the legitimacy of the constitution and achieving national unity, according to the statement.