Seizure of calendars upsets Pheu Thai

PHEU THAI PARTY yesterday petitioned Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha over alleged discrimination and human rights violations committed by the Roi Et governor after he halted the distribution of calendars embossed with pictures of ex-prime ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra.

Pheu Thai caretaker leader Pol Lt-General Viroj Pao-in signed the petition, which cited media reports that said Governor Anusorn Kaewkangwan instructed all district chiefs in the province to halt the distribution of the 2016 calendars.

Anusorn cited the need to foster peace and reconciliation for the move.

But Viroj said the action was a human rights violation. 

He said many ordinary people and juristic bodies were entitled to produce calendars for the New Year and distribute them.

“To give out calendars is to send a message of love and connection between people so it should not disturb the peace or ruin reconciliation as alleged by the governor,” Viroj wrote. 

He said only calendars with pornographic material should be banned. People had the right to reject the calendars, he noted. 

“Restoring peace and reconciliation should be carried out with fairness and regards to human rights and should not be politicised.”

Viroj called on Prayut to order the governor or others to cancel the suspension order.

But government spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that Anusorn had done the right thing. 

The calendars were decorated with photos of a fugitive – Thaksin – and someone facing legal cases – Yingluck – and as such should not been handed out during official meetings, he said, adding that Anusorn’s action was designed to prevent conflicts in |society.

In Khon Kaen, 100 police, military personnel and civil officers set up checkpoints in Ban Pai district and seized more than 10 of the Shinawatra calendars. 

The officers stopped former Pheu Thai MPs from taking Yingluck to greet and give New Year gifts to villagers in the district.

Yingluck’s team then sought a blessing at a sacred Buddha statue, from senior monks at Wat Buranasit in Nong Ranya village. She had lunch and carried out a religious ceremony at Wat Pho Chai in Samsung district.

Former Pheu Thai MP Thanik Masipitak said visiting people and making merit during the New Year period was part of Thai culture and the action had no political motive.

“We were strictly monitored by police and military forces. Our New Year calendars were seized. This is an over-reaction and a power-crazed act. They should have differentiated things,’’ he said.

National Council for Peace and Order spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree refused to comment on the matter.