Thai junta to lift travel ban on politicians and activists

BANGKOK: The junta is set to lift an order that prohibits a select group of politicians and activists from leaving the country in order to help improve the political situation.

Yesterday’s meeting of security agencies, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, agreed to lift the ban of overseas travel, except for those who are defendants and prohibited by court from leaving the country, said a government spokesman.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will issue a new order on Wednesday, Maj-Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.

“This new order will help improve the situation in the country. Society will be aware that the government understand the country’s problems and is ready to listen to criticism,” said Maj-Gen Sansern, who added the NCPO ban on political party gatherings will remain.

“The meeting agreed that the time was still not right now. We need some more time before the ban will be lifted,” he added.

Col Piyapong Klinphan, a spokesman for the NCPO, said lifting of the ban was an idea of Prayut, who also heads the NCPO. His proposal to the meeting was based on findings by his staff, the spokesman said.

“The goal is to relax the atmosphere and create an environment of heeding viewpoints from different groups of people,” he said.

The meeting at the Government House was also attended by commanders-in-chief of the armed forces. Pheu Thai politicians welcomed the junta’s decision to revoke the travel ban order on some of politicians and academics.

“I’m so glad that I get my right (to travel abroad without seeking permission from the junta) back,” Pichai Naripthaphan, a Pheu Thai key figure, said.

Pichai, who sought the permission many times after the coup, said during the past two years he faced difficulties in travel overseas and sometimes he was not permitted by the junta even he was invited by wellknown organisations from United States and Europe.

He said the NCPO should comply with United Nation charter in order to avoid damaging the country’s image and reputation and to avert a risk of being sanctioned by United Nations and world communities.

Somkid Chua-kong, a former Pheu Thai MP for Ubon Ratchathani, said it was good that the junta lifting the ban because it was not justified.

the goal is to relax the atmosphere and create an environment of heeding viewpoints from di erent groups of people. Col Piyapong Klinphan