Govt never wishes to violate human rights, PM assures

According to a post on the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok’s Facebook account yesterday, the meeting was part of the ambassador’s introduction to Thailand as well as the embassy’s political dialogue with Cabinet members, public figures and institutions, media, civil society and other stakeholders. 

The ambassador was accompanied by colleagues from the embassy.

During the meeting with Prayut, besides the talks on long-standing relations between the two countries, the ambassador recalled some concerns about the political situation in Thailand, which had already been expressed by the ambassadors of the European Union, and at the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the country. 

The ambassador, as posted on the Facebook account, specifically highlighted the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

“…so that also critical voices can be heard, not least in the context of the forthcoming referendum and for the return to democracy, including free and fair elections,” the post read.

In this context, the ambassador stressed Sweden’s recommendations to Thailand at the UPR, amongst them the amendment of the Computer Crimes Act, according to the post.

Weerachon said the ambassador did express concerns about the country’s political situation, especially on the point concerning freedom of expression ahead of the referendum.

The deputy government spokesman said the PM had stressed that the government never wished to violate human rights and needed to strictly enforce the relevant laws to maintain peace and order.

Prayut also stressed the government’s intention to strictly follow its road map, and to adhere to the rule of law in order for it to maintain equal treatment for all parties.

This, he was quoted as saying, would allow the country find peace and order, as well as continuing smooth relations with other countries.

“The government is attempting to lay a foundation supporting sustainable democracy and the country’s stability,” the premier was quoted as saying.

Sweden also asked the Thai government to help facilitate trade and investment in the Kingdom, while giving an assurance on tourists’ safety while travelling in Thailand. 

It also praised Thailand for its efforts in tackling human-rights violations in the fishery sector, Weerachon said.