NLA gives go ahead to bill on protests

The public Assembly Bill, which requires protesters to inform authorities in advance of their activities and imposes restrictions on them and the authorities, sailed through its first reading at the National Legislative Assembly yesterday.
The vote was 182-0 with four abstentions.
Protesters will need to give authorities at least 24 hours in advance details on the purpose of their gathering, the venue and the duration
Protests will be prohibited within 150 metres of any palace, royal residence or residence of guests of the royal family.
Protesters will also be barred from gathering anywhere closer than 50 metres of Government House, Parliament House and other important government buildings, including courthouses.

Court approval needed to end protest
If a rally is judged as violent and a threat to life and property, authorities can seek court approval to end the protest.
While waiting for the court ruling, officers in charge can order an end to the protest and declare the area a restricted zone.
Offenders could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Deputy Prime Minister Visanu Krua-ngam told the assembly that the bill is based on four principles.
First is allowing demonstrators to only notify authorities, which is different from forcing them to seek permission.
Second is encouraging local authorities both in Bangkok and the provinces to provide a space specifically designated for demonstrations that would not require protesters to inform the authorities ahead of time.
Third is guaranteeing the right to freedom of assembly in accordance with international norms.
Security officers cannot disperse a demonstration even if it is deemed illegal unless they get court approval.
Fourth is making demonstrations more orderly.
Authorities will learn about rallies in advance and can find ways to deal with the situation. Police will be trained to be patient in handling the crowd and plans will have to be submitted by the National Police for Cabinet approval on how to handle crowds.
There is no guarantee that there will be fewer demonstrations under the law in the future, but they will be more orderly, he added.
Concerns expressed by some NLA members include a call to require the time to inform authorities to be lengthened to 72 hours, as 24 hours is not considered adequate for authorities to make preparations.
NLA member Somkid Lertpaitoon asked if the banning of gatherings on state highways and roads under the bill is constitutional, as the Constitutional Court has ruled in the past that it is constitutional.
A call was also made to have the Administrative Court assume the role of granting permission to disperse crowds instead of other courts.

Key points in proposed bill
l Protesters have to inform related authorities 24 hours in advance as to why,   when, where and how long they plan to protest;

l No demonstration within a 150-metre radius of palaces, royal residences   and the residents of guests of the royal family would be allowed.

l Protesters cannot gather closer than a 50-metre radius of Government   House, Parliament and the courts.

l Police will have to seek a court order to disperse a crowd even if it were   deemed illegal.

l The maximum penalty for an infringement would be 10 years in prison.