ICAPP Update (14-19)

Dear Distinguished Members of the ICAPP Standing Committee,

As SC Members are aware, the Royal Thai Army announced its decision to suspend the Constitution and take control of the government in a military coup d'etat on May 22, two days after its declaration of martial law. It was also reported that the army immediately banned gatherings of more than five people and summoned senior political leaders to the army.

Under the urgent situation, I immediately issued a statement last night Seoul time, in my capacity of the ICAPP Secretary General, expressing grave concern about the coup and urging the Thai military authorities to take measures for swift restoration of democracy on the multiple political party system. In the statement, we also requested the Thai military to guarantee participation of representatives of Thai political parties in ICAPP activities, including the forthcoming SC meeting in Vladivostok, while the government is under control of the military. (See the attached statement)

The news report on the statement is also linked here and our website.

In this regard, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also issued a statement in which he appealed for a prompt return to constitutional, civilian, democratic rule and an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity in Thailand. His statement is also attached herewith.

With warm regards,

Chung Eui-yong

Co-Chairman of the Standing Committee

and Secretary General of the ICAPP

Seoul, Korea

(May 23, 2014)