Human Rights Watch accuses Thailand of deepening authoritarianism

In the 659-page World Report 2016 released on Wednesday, the Human Right Watch reviewed human right situation in 2015 in 90 countries around the globe.

“Despite initial promises to restore democracy within one year, the junta in 2015 exercised increasingly dictatorial power and continued to systematically repress fundamental rights and freedoms,” said the report in its chapter on Thailand.

“Instead of paving the way for a return to democratic civilian rule as promised in its so-called “road map,” the junta has created a political system that seems designed to prolong its grip on power,” it said. 

On March 31, 2015, nationwide enforcement of the Martial Law Act of 1914 was replaced with section 44 of the interim constitution. Section 44 provides unlimited administrative, legislative, and judiciary powers to Prayut in his capacity as the NCPO chairman without any oversight or accountability. The interim constitution also absolves anyone carrying out actions on behalf of the NCPO of all legal liability.

Growing opposition to military rule prompted junta leaders to claim that Thailand was not ready for a constitutional referendum or a general election. The National Reform Council rejected the draft constitution on September 6, 2015, extending the junta’s rule to at least until 2017. In November 2015, the NCPO proposed that the new constitution should guarantee blanket amnesty for the use of military force to “protect national security.

The report also detailed many cases of human right violation. The junta banned political gathering and arrested dozens of people for sedition charges. Many media outlets were suspended last year. 

“Criticizing the monarchy is a serious criminal offense in Thailand, and Prayut has made lese majeste prosecutions a top priority of the NCPO. Since the coup, 56 lese majeste cases have been brought, 43 against individuals for online commentary,” it said. 

The junta also enforced arbitrary detention. It summoned at least 751 people for questioning since the coup in May 2014. The junta has issued arrest warrants and revoked the passports of at least 10 exiled dissidents for failing to report to the authorities when summoned, it said.

The Thai authorities also have bad practice on refugees. Asylum seekers are treated as illegal migrants, and subject to arrest and deportation, it said. Thai authorities continue to violate the international prohibition against refoulement (forcible return) by forcing refugees and asylum seekers back to countries where they are likely to face persecution, it said.