§ 4. Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom relations with Thailand.
§ Mr. GoodladHer Majesty's Government were horrified by the events in Bangkok in mid-May, about which we expressed serious concern at the time. We look to the inquiry which is now under way to identify those responsible and to take action. We wish to maintain friendly and constructive relations with Thailand. We welcome the appointment of an interim Government and the announcement of new elections on 13 September.
§ Mrs. PrenticeWe all welcome the fact that the new Prime Minister has promised elections in the next few months and I am pleased that the Minister has condemned the atrocities that took place in May. However, does he also condemn the amnesty that has been granted to those behind the slaughter of unarmed demonstrators, and will he assure the House that the Government will do all in their power to pressurise the Thai Government to use the investigative committees to bring to justice those responsible for the atrocities? Does the Minister agree that no new regime can be credible unless the guilty people in the army and the Government are brought to trial?
§ Mr. GoodladI am grateful to the hon. Lady for her comments. Her Majesty's Government will continue to make our views known forcefully to the Government of Thailand.