‘End ban on political activity’

Groups demand return of freedom of expression and political assembly

Bangkok: Democratic and human rights groups have announced a challenge to the junta’s order against political activity at the Constitutional Court as they demand a return of freedom of expression and political assembly.

The Democratic Restoration Group, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre and representatives of victims of the junta’s order organised a press conference at Thammasat University.

The coalition announced the launch of a campaign to annul controversial order 3/2015 issued by the leader of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) following the 2014 coup.

The order gave authority to military officers to detain for seven days and interrogate anyone deemed a threat to its authority and also prohibits a political assembly of five or more people.

Rangsiman Rome, a member of the coalition, said that for threeand-a-half years the junta-backed government has taken people into custody and later charged them for expressing an opinion that differs from the junta.

The junta has also used tactics to threaten academics who organise academic debates, including sending state officials to monitor the event and making participants feel insecure about their safety.

Rangsiman argued that despite the passing of a new Constitution, the junta continues to practise suppression against Thais exercising their rights.

He noted the 2016 Constitution guarantees human dignity, rights, liberties and equality.

The junta’s harsh actions had damaged people’s freedom and the reputation of some people had been tainted by junta charges, he said.

The group referred to Section 213 of the Constitution, which would allow people whose rights have been violated to directly petition the court for a verdict on whether the NCPO’ s order violated the constitution.

Rangsiman said the group is gathering public support for filing a petition to the court this month or in January.