End arbitrary arrests, secret military detention: HRW

While urging immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of Kittisak, HRW said that enforced disappearances are defined under international law as the arrest or detention of a person by state officials or their agents followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty, or to reveal the person’s fate or whereabouts. 

Kittisak, 47, a supporter of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), also known as the Red Shirts, was arrested on September 5.

“Kittisak Soomsri’s enforced disappearance shows the Thai military’s wanton disregard for basic rights under martial law,” said Brad Adams, Asia director. “The Thai government and military should immediately disclose Kittisak’s location. Martial law should be revoked across the country to ensure that others are not held in similar circumstances.”

Kittisak’s family said that soon after his arrest they received an anonymous telephone call telling them that the military had taken Kittisak into custody under martial law for questioning at an undisclosed location and that he would be safely released without charge after seven days if his family kept quiet. However, the military authorities have not admitted that Kittisak was arrested or is in their custody, raising grave concerns for his safety.

HRW noted that enforced disappearances violate a range of fundamental human rights protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Thailand is a party, including prohibitions against arbitrary arrest and detention; torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and extrajudicial execution.

The international organisation has repeatedly raised serious concerns regarding the use of arbitrary arrest and secret military detention by the military-led junta, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Since the May 22 coup, the NCPO – headed by the recently appointed prime minister, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha – has detained more than 300 ruling party and opposition politicians, activists, journalists, and people accused of supporting the deposed government, disrespecting or offending the monarchy, or being involved in anti-coup protests and activities.

“As both junta leader and prime minister, General Prayuth has vowed to respect human rights, but hasn’t followed through his words with actions,” Adams said. “Prayuth could start by ordering an end to arbitrary arrests and secret detentions, releasing all those wrongfully held.”