Govt, UDD urged for endurance, mutual responsibility

BANGKOK, 12 March 2010 (NNT) – The Psychiatric Association of Thailand (PAT) has pleaded both the government and the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) to uphold endurance and mutual responsibility to refrain from violence.

PAT President MD Yongyud Wongpiromsarn stated that both the UDD and the government must uphold tolerance and mutual responsibility without perceiving one another as opponents. He said all sides should bear in mind that it was just a difference in opinion in a democratic society.

The president also asked UDD core leaders to manage the crowd, take care of each other, and avoid any communication that may escalate to violence.

MD Yongyud deemed that people’s public stance and demands for peace in Thailand via social networking sites would make a significant difference, when combined. Declaring one’s stance for peace can also help in stress reduction.

The president continued to say that the Department of Mental Health under the Ministry of Public Health would be ready to dispatch psychiatrists to assist people in any areas if violent incidents broke out. He added that the 1323 telephone hotline of the department was available for consultation.