Martial law still needed but will be eased: PM
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted yesterday the junta would maintain martial law for the purpose of long-term security, but relaxation would be considered step by step when the situation improved.
I have said many times that we would consider security and order in the long run. Don’t rush, we would consider [easing the law] step by step,” Prayut told reporters after a joint meeting between the Cabinet and the National Council for Peace and Order, of which he is the head.
It was the first meeting between the two agencies, which share several members, to review the tasks and division of labour for each.
Prime Minister Prayut said he had to explain progress in the work for reform and reconciliation every day – but many Thai people did not understand and made a lot of demands.
“I don’t understand what they are thinking so the media should help me build confidence. I’m tired and all ministers and officials work hard. Please do not criticise everything and please give us a chance,” he said.
Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said the meeting between the Cabinet and the junta did not discuss martial law. The premier told the meeting that lifting of martial law depended on the security situation, he said. Martial law is the biggest concern among the business community, notably the tourism sector, as it has psychological implications for many economic activities.
Boontuck Wungcharoen, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, said if martial law was lifted in some tourist cities it would help stimulate the tourism sector during the high season. Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said lifting of the martial law in some areas where there are no security concerns, would also make it easier for tourists to acquire travel insurance – but the final decision still rested with the government since it was a matter of national security.
“The lifting of the martial law nationwide is a matter for the government to decide, as it has to look at factors regarding security and stability of the country. It is up to insurance companies to decide – but I believe they can give insurance [cover] to visitors who wish to visit cities not under martial law, once it is lifted in some provinces,” Supant added.
Meanwhile, Pornthip Hirunkate, a committee member of Tourism Council of Thailand, said Thai tourism would continue to face difficulty as long as the government maintained martial law. The entire tourism sector may lose huge business over the next three to four months when the country enters the annual high season.
“During the high season, the country gets about 10 million visitors or 40 per cent of total arrivals. But this year, we may not see that number amid concerns about security,” she said, adding that hotels might have little business during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Supawan Tanomkieatipume, vice president for marketing at Thai Hotels Association (THA), said the martial law would affect the confidence of tourists. Moreover, hotel businesses especially in Bangkok will continue to suffer through the high season as well.
“Martial law should be lifted soon. If it continues, the tourism sector will continue to face difficulties,” she said.
According to Anake Srichevachart, president of Thai-Japan Tourism Business Association, travel operators overseas will not promote Thailand if martial law stayed in place.
The private sector had expecting martial law to be lifted but has been disappointed.
