No attitude adjustment for those who toe the line, NCPO assures

Colonel Winthai Suvari said people “should not distort [rules] to create conditions and discourse on the stereotypical concept of freedom”. 

In response to concerns over the NCPO’s recent inclination to invite critics to have their attitudes adjusted, he said people could still enjoy rights and freedoms when those rights and freedoms don’t offend individuals or organisations.

Reckless expression has already brought the country to conflict, Winthai said.

Action against those violating the NCPO’s conditions would remain the same, he said. It had not discriminated against any particular group, [political] party, or occupation; everything depended on their behaviour, Winthai said.

He explained that the NCPO’s reaction to violators included creating mutual understanding and asking for cooperation. But if infractions persist, counter-measures would be intensified in line with the law.

“The authorities needed to invite some people for a talk because they infringed the agreement [they’ve had with the NCPO] and they repeatedly did so. 

“These included giving inaccurate and unclear comments on individuals and organisations that could lead to scepticism and misunderstandings in society,” Winthai said.

Meanwhile, Matilda Bogner, regional representative of the OffIce of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)’s Southeast Asia office, yesterday expressed concern over the increasing number of arrests and detention of government critics.

The office reiterated its call to the government to restore space for free expression and public dialogue, in line with Thailand’s international human rights obligations.

“Freedom of the press, including freedom for journalists to operate without fear of reprisals, is essential in promoting transparency and accountability on issues of public interest.

“OHCHR welcomes the release of Pravit Rojanaphruek of The Nation newspaper. We were in regular contact with Thai authorities during his detention and called for his immediate release,” she said.

Meanwhile, Pravit announced in the newsroom yesterday that he has made a personal decision to resign, The Nation’s managing editor Jintana Panyaarvudh said. 

 

‘Use regular legal channels’

Niran Pitakwatchara, the national human rights commissioner, suggested the NCPO use normal legal channels to handle those who commit violations. Confidence could be rebuilt better that way, he said.

In response to the junta’s recent actions against its critics, Niran said the rights and freedoms of the public and the press are protected under Article 4 of the 2014 interim |charter. 

Thus, the government should demonstrate the maintenance of democracy in Thailand. 

If any action on freedom of expression extended over to any violation against individuals or the public, the judicial process or the court should take charge, he said.

He said that if authoritarian power is exercised, reaction will be aroused. Then it would cause more conflicts.