Bill on protests to be reviewed
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The Cabinet agreed in principle yesterday to accept a bill on the gathering of people at public places but some details were subject for review, Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.
The essence of the bill is that protesters would be required to give local police more than 24 hours’ notice about the date and place of gatherings and rallies. The bill would also ban protesters from rallying at Government House, state premises, airports, train stations and bus terminals, Sansern said.
He said the bill advocated peaceful gatherings and demonstrations under democratic principles but such activities would not be allowed from 10pm to 6am.
Failure to inform local police about planned rallies would be punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of Bt10,000. Those involved in illegal gatherings could face jail terms of up to 10 years and fines up to Bt200,000. Protesters who refuse to disperse could face up to a year in prison and a fine of Bt20,000.
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said Cabinet ordered the bill to be reviewed in detail to ensure justice and legitimacy. He said the law must specify, for example, the scope of security officials’ authority if protesters resist an order to disperse.
“I think [such detail] is necessary. There are rallies in foreign countries but they do not mobilise such a great number of masses, otherwise the country risks being jeopardised. We want to avoid negative consequences,” he said.
