OHCHR urged to understand Thai situation

Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee yesterday urged the OHCHR to understand Thailand’s political situation.

He made the plea after OHCHR spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, on Friday, expressed concern over “mounting” rights restrictions in Thailand and called on the government to quickly return power to the people following the approval of a new constitution.

Sek said Thailand recognised the significance of freedom of expression and human rights as basic rights in a democratic society. However, the government needed to take some measures to ensure peace and prevent national division. Thailand was in a reform process to bring about national unity and sustainable democracy.

He said that suspects who stand trial in a military court were entitled to the same rights as those in civilian courts, such as the right to a fair and transparent trial, the right to receive legal advice and the right to get bail.

Sek said the August 7 referendum was carried out in a fair and transparent manner and in accordance with the law. The referendum allowed public participation through public hearings and seminars, televised talks, provincial seminars across the country. The public had the right to express their view with honesty about the charter draft ahead of the referendum. 

Academics from 43 organisations and the media could freely criticise the draft and they expressed their stand against the draft publicly. Those who violated the law and instigated disturbances must face prosecution.

He said the government aimed to let a civilian administration run the country under the democracy road map and a general election would be held next year. 

“The fact that a majority of the public has accepted the charter draft reflects that they accept the government’s democracy road map. The government hopes that every agency respects the people’s decision in the same way as they respect the voice of people in other countries, which will help support Thailand and build sustainable democracy and reconciliation,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Anont Nampa, a lawyer for political activist Jatupat Bunpattaraksa – also known as “Pai Dao Din” – has filed a petition with the military court at the 23rd Army Circle in Khon Kaen, seeking his release on bail under Articles 71 and 110 of the Criminal Law.

Jatupat has been detained at a jail in Chaiyaphum and charged with violating the order issued by the National Council for Peace and Order against political gatherings after he allegedly distributed anti-charter documents.

Anont said Jatupat had been on a hunger strike since being taken into custody on August 6, and had fallen ill and his continued detention could gravely affect his health. With the case against him carrying a penalty of six months’ imprisonment, he urged the court to release him without bail.

The court has scheduled next Friday for a decision on his release.