No worries, keep martial law: NSC

“Although there was the restaurant seizure in Australia, it was the work of one extremist,” Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan was quoted as saying by Anusit Kunakorn, secretary-general of the NSC. 

“Thailand will maintain martial law as there is no need to revoke it. The country is not totally in peace. Having martial law in force will not adversely affect anyone except those who want to disturb the peace,” Anusit said after the NSC meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to discuss the security situation over New Year.

Besides the security threat at the international level, the meeting highlighted internal security threats. 

NSC officials believe the government has to contain fallout from the national division by nurturing national reconciliation. 

“We have to ensure that people with different ideas can live together and do not resort to force. Both sides must comply with the rule of law,” he said.

The meeting also discussed the situation in the deep South and the stability of the country’s major institutions. 

Prayut stressed maritime security because the country has more than Bt20 trillion in such interests per year. 

The Cabinet has approved a strategy to manage marine resources. The government is also planning to deal with transnational crime, illegal migrants, and energy and food issues, he added.