Govt must allow room for expression if it wants to win 'benign and moderate' stamp

The reaction only shows how heavy-handed mishandling of this previously little-known group through arrests and detention can attract unwelcome media attention and pressure, both locally and overseas, and pose a challenge on how the dictatorship can become “benign and moderate”. 

Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya was quick to say yesterday that the government, led by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also leads the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is not a “hardline dictatorship”. Now it falls upon the regime to prove this as more than a year has passed under its strict rule and more and more people are starting to feel stifled by the limits on their freedom of assembly and expression. 

If this government truly wishes to be seen as a “moderate” dictatorship as well as keep its promise of returning democracy to the country, then it should allow people to air their discontent peacefully and do away with the order banning the assembly of five or more persons. 

Also, issuing a very clear exit timeframe would ease the worries of those who are unhappy with the NCPO and perhaps convince them not to take extreme measures.

Doing away with the need to use the military court against civilians who oppose the coup would also win some sympathy from those critical of the junta, both in Thailand and overseas. There is no reason why the modus operandi cannot change, particularly since civilians being tried in military court lack confidence in the military judges, as no matter how well-intended and prudent they may be, they are still operating under the military chain of command.

To be deemed a “moderate” dictatorship, the challenge is to ensure that people are not suffocated to the point where they have no liberty and feel desperate enough to break the laws imposed by the NCPO. With a stalling economy and severe drought already hanging over the government, there is no reason why it should be using heavy-handed tactics with a small pocket of peaceful protesters. 

It is not too late for the premier to allow a little room for discontent for the sake of liberty. A specific area for demonstrations and political expression can be designated, and it will go a long way in ensuring that this regime is “moderate” not “hardline” as it appears to its critics, including the 14, who stand to face the military court for merely expressing their thoughts peacefully. 

The authorities should remember that Thais have grown beyond the era of the 1970s, when the military could rule with an iron fist. Now, the world is far more connected, communication is instantaneous and people are more aware of their rights. 

Under these circumstances, it would be difficult for any de facto hardline dictatorship to last, which is why it is now the best time to start easing restrictions and preparing an exit strategy. 

Releasing the 14 young activists could be the beginning for compromise and flexibility, though that can only materialise if the powers-that-be realise there’s no future for a hardline dictatorship in modern-day Thailand.