Mr. Speaker, Canada and Thailand have enjoyed warm relations. Thailand held parliamentary elections this past Sunday. Despite actions by anti-government protestors intent on derailing the polls and the political process, 47% of Thailand's 43 million eligible voters came out to exercise their right to choose who will govern them. This sends a strong message to all political parties, the military, and the election commission that the people of Thailand value their right to vote.
The actions of protestors to block voters and prevent polling stations from opening are a cause of concern for Canada. It is worth noting the restraint shown by the Thai government, the military, and other authorities, which ensured mass-scale violence was averted and skirmishes and disruptions were kept to a minimum.
We now call upon the opposition to return to the talks and on the election commission to ensure the electoral process is carried out fully and expeditiously. That is the overwhelming desire of the Thai people and also of Canada.