UNHCR urged to understand Thai situation
The Foreign Ministry has said that necessary measures are being taken to heal national divisions, in its response to criticism by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR).
Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee Saturday urged the UNHCR to understand Thailand’s political situation.
He made the plea after UNHCR spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, on Friday, expressed concern over “mounting” rights restrictions in Thailand and called on the government to quickly return power to the people following the approval of a new constitution.
Sek said Thailand recognised the significance of freedom of expression and human rights as basic rights in a democratic society. However, the government needed to take some measures to ensure peace and prevent national division. Thailand was in a reform process to bring about national unity and sustainable democracy.
He said that suspects who stand trial in a military court were entitled to the same rights as those in civilian courts, such as the right to a fair and transparent trial, the right to receive legal advice and the right to get bail.
Sek said the August 7 referendum was carried out in a fair and transparent manner and in accordance with the law. The referendum allowed public participation through public hearings and seminars, televised talks, provincial seminars across the country. The public had the right to express their view with honesty about the charter draft ahead of the referendum.
