Statement From Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra

BANGKOK, May 16, 2010 - The following is a statement from Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra:

I stand with my countrymen in this terrible hour in our history. The
pictures that I have seen go beyond any nightmares that could have been
envisaged. I have no choice but to state resolutely the need for all sides to
step back from this terrible abyss and seek to begin a new, genuine and
sincere dialogue between the parties.

The present action of the government dishonour our history and will
forever weaken our institutions and democracy. How can life be revered when
the government uses its live bullets against innocent non-violent protesters
and civilians, many of them women and children.

I call for the United Nations to immediately engage to act as facilitator
for this negotiation. That organization should not allow itself to be
silenced by a prime minister who failed to understand that a right to life is
a core universal value that unites us all as one.

Michael Gillies-Smith, Gillies Smith Public Affairs, Mobile: +61-(0)-402-011-503, Landline: +61-3-9827-5432, www.gilliessmith.com