Thai govt's growing military role a concern: UN Human Rights chief

 

In a statemenet released today from Geneva, High Commissioner Zeid said that several critics of the draft Constitution have already been arbitrarily arrested, detained and harassed since the draft was made public at the end of March. 

The detention of Pheu Thai politician Watana Muangsook was mentioned in the statement. He also mentioned the event on Tuesday when the five human rights defenders, calling themselves "resistant citizen", were taken into military custody for joining a peaceful assembly against the government’s restrictions but have since been released.

Zeid expressed particular concern that the clampdown on criticism would intensify following hardline comments by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-Cha and other senior government figures. He also mentioned the law governing the referendum which places limits on groups and individuals, as it could be interpreted arbitrarily and used against opponents.

“An open and dynamic public debate on the draft Constitution would foster national unity, strengthen the legitimacy and acceptance of the Constitution and provide a sense of collective ownership,” Zeid said. “I urge the government to actively encourage, rather than discourage, dialogue and engagement on the draft Constitution. This would be an important step in establishing a solid foundation for a sustainable democracy in Thailand.”

“Extending the military’s powers is not the answer to rebuilding Thailand’s political landscape,” the High Commissioner said. “On the contrary, Thailand has competent civilian institutions and should be looking to strengthen the rule of law and good governance, not undermine it.”

Zeid also called for the suspension of laws and orders that have bestowed more power upon the military. Over the past year, 61 NCPO orders have been issued under Article 44.