Nation journo, politicians freed after signing agreement

The Nation’s senior journalist, Pravit Rojanaphruk, signed an agreement not to lead, participate, or assist any anti-coup movement. The NCPO filed a pending police complaint against him, which would be activated if he violates the NCPO’s order again, a source said. He was in detention since Sunday afternoon.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Tuesday said those who were called for “attitude adjustment” have to comply with the agreement to take control of some of their personal activities, for example to inform the NCPO when intending to travel abroad. The NCPO also authorised the right to freeze his bank account if they find his movements suspicious, he said.

“I will agree with him no more. If he [Pravit] repeats it next time, he has to be in the courts. There’ll be no further negotiation,” the premier said.

The NCPO spokesmen Tuesday said that people summoned for “attitude adjustment” had been picked for their “behaviour” no matter what occupation they practised. It stressed it was treating everyone from every sector equally. 

NCPO deputy spokesperson Colonel Sirichan Nga-thong explained the four criteria used to consider whether one was obliged to attend attitude adjustment sessions were: behaviour, violation of an agreement, giving inaccurate information, and causing damage to organisations and individuals.

She said the consideration did not take into account a person’s occupation.

With regards to proposals from Thai and international organisations concerning human rights, Sirichan said the NCPO’s orders and announcements were regarded as laws. Any violation would be dealt with by the authorities, she said.