Carter urges Government to contact Kiwis in Thailand

In light of reports that a New Zealander may have been injured in Bangkok, Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Chris Carter is today calling on the New Zealand Government to make every effort to contact Kiwis in the Thai capital.

Thailand has been racked by political protests for more than a year as “Red Shirt” protestors have kept up a vigil against the army-backed Government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

“I have personally seen the passions of both opponents and supporters of the Thai Government,” Chris Carter said.

“Over the past week we have seen a dramatic increase in the Thai Government’s resolve to crack down on protests, with army units surrounding the demonstrators and firing rubber bullets. Tragically, more than 30 people are now believed to have died.

“Today’s news that a New Zealander may have been caught up in the conflict and injured is a very worrying development,” Chris Carter said.

“Labour acknowledges that the political situation in Thailand is very complex. Both supporters and opponents of the Thai Government have deeply-held views about the best means and timeframes of moving their country forwards to a restored plural democracy.

“Nonetheless this ongoing loss of life is an absolute tragedy for Thailand. Continuation of the violent conflict does tremendous damage to the country’s tourism and manufacturing economy, and it undermines efforts to bridge divisions in Thai society.

“The Labour Party calls on the New Zealand Government to ensure that every effort is being made to contact Kiwis in Bangkok.”

ENDS

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