PAD warned by Prayut against protesting
PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha Saturday warned the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) not to make any political moves that breach laws, arguing that legitimacy based on rights secured under the constitution cannot be claimed for every action.
The PAD plans to submit its petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission tomorrow, as part of its effort to ensure justice for its yellow shirt allies who had been the focus of police action in the October 2008 crackdown.
PM Prayut said the law is the law, and that permission must first be obtained before making any moves, apparently referring to street protests. The public gathering law remains in place, said PM Prayut. Street action may violate additional laws and claiming legitimacy based on the constitution is not acceptable, he added.
“It’s not that we shun freedom of expression,” insisted Prayut. “You can hold a gathering, but it should not violate other laws, so people should be made aware about this fact.” The prime minister acknowledged that the constitution secures fundamental rights but added that peace and order also depend on enforcement of relevant laws.
PM Prayut also urged concerned parties to respect the ruling, saying the best way to deal with the case is working through legal channels.
