Cabinet revised Internal Security Operations Command Act

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet meeting today involves ISOC Act among many issues

A Cabinet meeting held today (June 19) involved discussions of the Internal Security Operations Command Act.

Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont hosted a Cabinet meeting today, with the Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin in attendance to discuss Thailand's political situation. Cabinet members discussed demonstrations in Sanam Luang as well as cases involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Cabinet's main agenda involved discussions of the Internal Security Operations Command Act which aims to maintain national security while suppressing acts of terrorism in the Kingdom of Thailand. The Act also provides regional ISOC directors with the authority of deploy police or military personnel to suppress violent incidents.

The National Intelligence Agency Act was also brought up, involving the provision of protective services to state officials investigating national security crimes.

Other issues included proposals by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to adjust loan protocols for the Ban-Ur-Arthorn (บ้านเอื้ออาทร) housing project in order to allow continuous development of the project.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet approves revised ISOC Act

The Cabinet has approved a revised Internal Security Operations Command Act.

The Secretary General of the National Security Council (สมช.) Mr. Prakit Prachonpacha-ngiug (ประกิจ ประจนปัจจนึก) reports that a Cabinet meeting today has resulted in the approval of a revised form of the Internal Security Operations Command Act. The Act will include 33 articles, including measures similar to the Emergency Management Decree, though more attuned to the threat of international terrorism.

Mr. Prakit affirms that the revised Act was not drafted to handle political issues. The Act has also received the approval of a major committee chaired by the Prime Minister. The Secretary General of the National Security Council added that the revised ISOC Act is necessary for the Internal Security Operation Command's work. Laws for the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center are also being considered.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 June 2007

[Mid]

Laws for the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center are also being considered.

autonomy

[Jai Dee]

Sweeping security law set

The Cabinet yesterday approved in principle a revision of the Internal Security Act that could see its clauses replacing states of emergency and other legislation, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said.

Surayud explained the revisions empowered the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) to maintain peace and national safety.

If the National Legislative Assembly passes the revisions, the government could in future withdraw other current security legislation.

"The purpose of [changes to] the Internal Security Act is to achieve a better legal mechanism than the imposition of states of emergency. These are harsh measures to be used only during wars. Besides, this law is outdated; it was enacted in 1944," Surayud said.

The Council of State will examine the bill before forwarding it to the assembly for consideration.

However, Surayud did not expect the amendments to sail through three readings. There is no rush, he added.

National Security Council secretary-general Prakij Prachonpatjanuk denied claims the new act would award junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin massive powers. Sonthi is Isoc director but is due to retire in October.

Prakij said a prime ministerial committee would have oversight responsibility for Isoc.

The new act covers domestic and international terrorism, too.

"Once the new act becomes legislation, it can be used for all security matters. There will no longer be a need for states of emergency to be declared.

Prakij denied changes to the act were politically motivated.

Surayud, too, denied the law was designed to control mobs and protesters.

Source: The Nation - 20 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet approves security bill

The cabinet yesterday approved a draft national security bill which would give sweeping powers to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) to handle ''new forms of threats'' to the country, a cabinet meeting source said. The bill is aimed at enabling Isoc to more efficiently handle acts of sabotage, transnational crime and propaganda.

Article 6 provides for the setting up of a national security committee to be headed by the prime minister, the source said.

The bill also empowers the Isoc chief to implement security measures such as searches without seeking approval from the prime minister.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Jai Dee]

PM insists on passing new security law

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Friday the government intends to push hard for the passage of the controversial national security bill.

The proposed new law, which would give sweeping powers to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), has attracted widespread opposition.

But Gen Surayud said it will help the government to "fix problems" concerning national security in the future.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Jai Dee]

PM wants to see National Security Act enforced during interim government’s term

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont says he wants the National Security Act draft to take effect during the interim government’s term. The premier affirms the Act is not drafted to increase the power of the Council for National Security (CNS).

Regarding oppositions against the National Security Act by both foreign and Thai human rights organizations, PM says the Act is necessary for the present situation of the country and it is now being considered by the Council of the State. He also says that the government will not pass laws people do not approve of and has no intention to create social division.

Gen.Surayud adds that the government welcomes opinions concerning the Act in order to improve it. The premier encourages people to voice their opinions via the hotline 1111 or the Council of the State. However, he says there is not enough time to arrange a public hearing for the Act.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM open to ideas on security bill

The government is open to suggestions for the revision of a draft bill on internal security in order to make it acceptable to parties concerned, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday.

"I have no intention of enacting legislation deemed unacceptable by the public, and my government always welcomes ideas for the improvement of the draft," he said.

Surayud spoke in reaction to critical comments by academics and human-rights activists who have voiced concern about power vested in the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

He said the bill was not designed to give runaway power to the military as feared and that critics could offer alternate provisions at every step of the legislative process.

The bill was being vetted by the Council of State. Later it will be reviewed by the Cabinet before deliberation by the National Legislative Assembly, he said, noting that draft provisions could be revised along the way.

He said his government deemed it necessary to push for the passage of the bill after revising it by factoring in concerns raised by relevant parties. Changing circumstances, such as the insurgency in the South, prompted the revamp of internal security, he said.

"Some people are concerned that the new legislation may be a double-edged sword allowing the military to override the elected government, but I think everything has good and bad consequences depending on the individuals tasked with enforcing the law," he said.

Source: The Nation - 30 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Junta gives Isoc more power than ever

Academics condemn the new security draft bill as an unacceptable infringement of people's human rights

Imagine how much suffering you and your family would go through if you could be arrested and taken into custody for questioning, for a maximum period of 30 days, if the authorities sought and received court approval claiming you are suspected of supporting or taking part in actions that constitute a threat to national security? If the questioning were still not completed within the specified period, the authorities in charge would be empowered to extend the custody period for another 84 days.

Such an allowance _ considered so generous for the sake of national security as to be infringing on human rights _ is placed in Article 26 (1) and Article 27 of the controversial national security draft bill being scrutinised by the Council of State after the Surayud Chulanont cabinet approved it last week.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Jai Dee]

Campaign for Human Rights Committee and the NGO Coordinating Committee on Development ask PM to revise the issuance of Internal Security Act

The Campaign for Human Rights Committee and the NGO Coordinating Committee on Development call for the government to cease the issuance of the Internal Security Act in Thailand because it would overuse the authority of the army officials.

Both committees led by Mr. Jon Ungpakorn and Mrs. Angkana Nilapaijit traveled to the Government House to submit a document to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, asking him to revise the decision to enforce the Internal Security Act. The two committees reason that the authorities of the state and the army would overlap if the Act has been imposed, and this could imply that the army may carry on with its rule. More importantly, they cite that human rights and freedom need to be insured and protected.

The Campaign for Human Rights Committee and the NGO Coordinating Committee on Development also demand for Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin to stop participating in the Cabinet meeting because they do not want him to intervene in the Cabinet’s work.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 July 2007

[slimdog]

For anyone interested, there is an un-official translation of the Internal Security Operations Act, otherwise known as:

The Draft Act on the Maintenance of National Security in the Kingdom

Copy of which can be found at:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=67

[Mid]

Campaign for Human Rights Committee and the NGO Coordinating Committee on Development ask PM to revise the issuance of Internal Security Act

03 July 2007

The Campaign for Human Rights Committee and the NGO Coordinating Committee on Development call for the government to cease the issuance of the Internal Security Act in Thailand because it would overuse the authority of the army officials.

Both committees led by Mr. Jon Ungpakorn and Mrs. Angkana Nilapaijit traveled to the Government House to submit a document to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, asking him to revise the decision to enforce the Internal Security Act. The two committees reason that the authorities of the state and the army would overlap if the Act has been imposed, and this could imply that the army may carry on with its rule. More importantly, they cite that human rights and freedom need to be insured and protected.

National News Bureau Public Relations Department

[LaoPo]

I am stunned that this topic draws so little attention from TV members.... *

IMHO this would be a very dangerous step -backwards- on the road to democracy in Thailand...

Critics say Thailand's internal security bill is an army ploy to retain political power

BANGKOK, Thailand: A proposed internal security law endorsed by Thailand's interim government would allow the army to continue to exercise political power behind the scenes even after the election of a new civilian government, critics charged Tuesday.

The proposed law would allow the army chief — as head of the Internal Security Operations Command, or ISOC — to grant power to officials to bar public assemblies, detain suspects for up to 30 days without charge, carry out searches without warrants, control possession of weapons and "suppress" people or groups whose actions are considered harmful to national security, according to a draft of the bill.

The legislation has been proposed by the interim government installed after army commander Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin led a coup last year to oust elected Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been accused of corruption and abuse of power. A new general election is scheduled to be held by December.

The bill — which needs the approval of the interim National Legislative Assembly before becoming law — would grant the ISOC powers overriding those of a civilian government, Anselmo Lee of the Bangkok-based human rights organization Forum-Asia said in a statement.

"The bill is a regressive step back from bringing human rights and rule of law to the country," he said. He and other critics fear the law could be used to suppress political dissidents.

The government says that laws covering national security need to be reviewed because of changing circumstances, such as the rise of a bloody Muslim insurgency in the country's far south.

Parinya Thewanaruemitkul, an expert in law at Bangkok's Thammasat University, said the bill represents a way for the military to retain the power it assumed after the coup.

Jon Ungphakorn, a democracy activist and a former senator, said it allows the army to transcend administrative, legislative and judicial power.

"The army will be allowed to use power without any scrutiny mechanism," he said in an appeal to interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to scuttle the bill.

He said the bill — which exempts officials acting under its provisions from being punished by civil, criminal or disciplinary actions — raised concerns that it would encourage the use of excessive force by government officials and foster a culture of impunity.

The Associated Press

Published: July 3, 2007

* I only learned about this today, since I was travelling.

LaoPo

[Mid]

Maintenance of National Security Act is for ensuring the powers of the military and not the security of the people!!

Statement

03 July 2007

News

The Draft Bill on the Maintenance of National Security is riddled with problems and has given rise to many questions and suspicions in Thai society. We the undersigned organizations would like the current interim government and parliament to drop such a draconian draft bill and review what their role should be during this transition period. The draft bill has far reaching implications for a constitutional democracy and the civil liberties of an individual because;

continues http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=68

[Jai Dee]

Internal Security Act outrages academics

ISOC bill would give Army huge powers 'and must be opposed'

The proposed National Security Act will usher Thailand back into a totalitarian era and must be resisted by all means, academics warned yesterday.

"It will likely return Thailand to a state of dictatorship and climate of fear," said Prof Pasuk Phongpaichit, a leading political economist at Chulalongkorn University.

"The freedom of academics, NGOs and activists will be threatened and this is something we must oppose."

He said the draft law would allow future Army chiefs, who would also serve as head of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), to arrest people without warrants, detain them for seven days subject to unlimited renewal of detention orders and ban public gatherings.

Those affected would have no right to petition the court unless they could prove they had been wrongly prosecuted.

Pasuk said the proposed Thai law was worse than the US Homeland Security Act of 2002 as the American law still upholds the court's power and it applies only to foreigners.

Thamrongsak Petchlert-anan, a Rangsit University political historian, said the draconian law would be a dream come true for military dictators, as even the notorious Field Marshal Sarit Thanarath had failed to enact one.

"The National Security Act was Sarit's dream … wherein the views of the military become law. It was not realised then but may now materialise," Thamrongsak said.

He was one of the speakers at a symposium on academic freedom and the political crisis organised by Thammasat University's Southeast Asian Studies Programme and Mahidol University's Centre for Human Rights Education and Social Development.

The historian said the junta leaders were seriously putting themselves at risk by not honouring their mission statement for staging the coup, which claimed it had nothing to do with grabbing power.

Assoc Prof Kritaya Archavanitkul, who heads the human rights programme at Mahidol, said the attempt to pass the law was the clearest evidence since the takeover last September that the generals were plotting to remain in power.

"There will be state within a state where the Army chief wields immense power. It will destroy the basic rights and liberties of all parties. Their move [to pass the law] is like a strip dance and even those [in civil society] who supported the coup are now having second thoughts."

The true nature and intention of the coup makers had never changed, he claimed.

"They seek to have instruments that will enable them to extend their grip on power."

Thammasat historian Thanet Aphornsuwan said that when looking at Thailand's historic struggles against military tyranny, it was unfortunate that some people seemed to fail to learn from the past.

"I'm rather pessimistic."

Source: The Nation - 07 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Ex-Senator says Internal Security Act to be protested

Ex-Senator and Social Activist, Jon Ungphakorn (จอน อึ้งภากรณ์), says he believes that the enforcement of the Internal Security Act will be protested by all sides as it is considered as similar to the Emergency Decree.

Mr Jon says the Internal Security Act is like the Emergency Decree since all provinces nationwide are required by it to set up an internal security committee. However, he speculates that the Act, which gives more powers to the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), will balance the power between the Prime Minister and the ISOC Director.

The present ISOC director is Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin who is also Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) and Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, Phairoj Pholphet (ไพโรจน์ พลเพชร), says the Internal Security Act limits rights and liberties of Thailand people and is a threat to the justice system. As for the constitution draft, he calls on all sides to play an active role in the drafting process by expressing opinions and carefully considering the draft before deciding whether to approve it or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

[slimdog]

Chang Noi's take on the ISOC act

A state at war with its people

The Internal Security Act which the junta wants to pass is the key measure to re-establish the Army as a government within government.

On first appearance, the law seems to set up a new organisation, or at least revive an old one (the Internal Security Operations Command, ISOC, which was originally formed to combat communism and had faded into the background in recent years). But this is an illusion. What the law does is give massive new powers to the Army chief. In the past, the directorship of ISOC was a stand-alone post with its own secretariat and organisation. In this law, the army chief automatically becomes head of ISOC. The chief of the Army general staff heads up the ISOC secretariat. The regional Army chiefs become the ISOC regional heads. The whole point of the bill is to give more powers to the Army and especially the chief.

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/09...on_30039905.php

This is on top of:

Revamped ISOC will be empowered to direct NCCC, DSI and AMLO to fight security threats, monitor govt

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/pag...date=2006-12-12

[Jai Dee]

An unofficial translation of the Draft Internal Security Act can be found here.

[Mid]

opps

Edited July 12, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

Media groups campaign against Internal Security Bill

July 12, 2007 : Last updated 06:18 pm

Professional media associations on Thursday issued a statement calling on the government to withdraw the Internal Security Bill.

The Cabinet approved the principles of the Bill last month, but it has yet to be considered by the National Legislative Assembly.

The media associations - the Press Council of Thailand, the Thai Journalists Association and the Thai Broadcasting Journalists Association - said the Bill acted against the freedom of Thais as stated in the Interim Constitution.

Moreover, the process of approving the Bill lacked the participation of ordinary people. Attempts to pass the Bill during the term of the interim government could provide a reason for people who are trying to obstruct the junta's political reform to protest, the statement said.

The Nation

[Jai Dee]

Public debate under Internal Security Act would be held by the government

The government will organize a forum for people to voice their ideas and opinions on the draft bill on national security.

The Prime Miniser, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, responds to the people's disagreement on the draft bill on internal security, saying the Office of Council of State is still considering it. He says the government will listen to public opinions and would like to welcome the general public to contribute to the drafting of this bill.

Gen. Surayud says the forum will focus on the balance of power between the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Director and the Prime Minister. He says he would also consult with the Chairman of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC), Dr. Kothom Areeya, on this bill.

Many sides however suggest that important laws should be approved by the elected government rather that this interim goverment. The Prime Minister says discussions on this issue can be held, adding that initiating the amendments that have been approved by the majority should be accepted.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Govt to hold hearing on Internal Security Bill

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the government would hold a forum on the Internal Security Bill and other controversial legislation, including the Royal Thai Police Reform Bill.

The government will seek advice on the forum from the National Economic and Social Advisory Council.

Source: The Nation - 14 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Army sees Isoc bill as a way to guard the country

Security bill aims to give sanction to Isoc, which has no proper legal basis

In the name of security, the military and the elected government are slated to be closely interwoven in such a way as to reflect the shadow of one another.

The odd co-existence between the generals and politicians is a feature of the home-grown political landscape. Time will tell whether this will lead to a thriving democracy or recurring military interventions.

With Thailand poised to embrace democratic rule once again, the junta has surreptitiously pushed for the passage of new legislation which, if enacted, will be called the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The draft bill is designed to give legal sanction to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), one of the bureaucratic "dinosaurs" destined for reinvention to fight new and emerging threats.

Since December, junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin has been trumpeting the ISA and the revamped Isoc, which he has compared to the US Homeland Security Department, a security behemoth created in the aftermath of 9/11.

Before handing over power to an elected government, the junta is firm on having the Isoc as its legacy - as a security anchor to ensure internal stability.

It is no surprise, then, that the junta designed the bill to vest sweeping power in the Isoc director, who is also the Army chief.

Democracy activists and human rights advocates have in recent weeks started to voice strong opposition to the draft ISA, although they should have detected the draconian law in the making months ago.

In a consensus reached by top generals, it is imperative for the country to enact the ISA in light of security threats in the 21st century.

If the military is to do its job properly in safeguarding the Kingdom, the Isoc must be sanctioned and institutionalised by an act of Parliament, according to the main argument advanced by the top brass.

It is hard to believe but true that the Isoc has existed for the past four decades on the basis of a mere executive order. Its operations fall under the legal "grey area" of being dispensed by officials despite but having no proper law to back up its operations. Sonthi is likely to do everything in his power to ensure a speedy passage of the ISA before the general election.

When the draft went to the Cabinet two weeks ago, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont made two succinct statements summing up all pertinent issues on the ISA.

In his first remarks, Surayud said all laws were designed with good intent but problems arose because of men designated to enforce them.

For his second remarks, he said after the ISA took effect, it would no longer be necessary to declare a state of emergency or to invoke martial law.

He called on parties concerned to air their views in order to assist the Council of State to revise contentious provisions.

The draft is expected to be sent to the National Assembly for deliberation in about a month.

By the elaborate planning of military strategists, the legislative debate on the draft will coincide with deliberations on three organic laws on new electoral rules. With the public spotlight focused on the elections, the ISA might sail through with a minimum of opposition.

Even with some draconian provisions turned down a notch, the ISA still endows the Isoc chief with unprecedented power. In the event of a dire security threat, the Isoc could easily overshadow the elected government.

Surayud is right that martial law or the emergency decree would pale in comparison to the ISA. If passed, the bill would give Isoc officials a mandate to hold any suspects indefinitely. Currently, security authorities have two weeks before people have to be processed for remand.

If enforced in good faith, the ISA would not much different to similar laws in the United States, England, Malaysia and Singapore. But in other countries, elected officials would run the show assisted by the military.

Numerous lessons from Thai political history are a cause for concern about the enforcement of the ISA, however.

Past military leaders have been known to cite security as a pretext to catapult themselves into power.

In the past, many Isoc officials have been linked to forced disappearances of government critics. Have their standards been improved sufficiently to entrust them with the power for indefinite detention?

As the military aspires to become a pillar for stability and to keep politicians in check, it sees the Isoc bill as an indispensable way to guard the Kingdom and the monarchy.

But the top brass may have overlooked one minor flaw in their grand scheme. Politicians too can look at the Isoc chief as a potential puppet to consolidate power.

The ousted government trampled on independent organisations in order to cling to power.

Under the ISA provisions, politicians would have to rein in just one man, the Isoc chief, to open all doors to power. If this happened, the military could become a politicised institution.

Politicians and the generals are about to enter a race to open the trapdoor for control.

Source: The Nation - 14 July 2007

[Thaddeus]

Army sees Isoc bill as a way to guard the country

Security bill aims to give sanction to Isoc, which has no proper legal basis

If the military is to do its job properly in safeguarding the Kingdom

Source: The Nation - 14 July 2007

Ok, just for one second, let's pretend that I am stupid.

Safeguard the Kingdom from who exactly?

[cmsally]

This is all very worrying but hardly surprising as the main party who is supposed to be the bastion of democracy and anti dictatorship has played right into it. Unfortunately everything seems to be gliding along nicely but no one is quite sure of the plan. Unfortunately I think it will take something drastic to swing the course of events, but as yet see nothing on the horizon . Meanwhile they are restructuring everything in their favour, not unlike having your computer hijacked for a lengthy period of time.

Eventually you get it back under your control to find all the passwords changed, bookmarks gone and history deleted!

[Mid]

Law would be 'a coup by stealth'

Academic slams draft legislation; ex-senators to petition their peers

Published on July 15, 2007

The military junta is quietly staging yet another coup d'้tat, turning Thailand into its notorious neighbour, Burma, by trying to pass the draconian internal security bill while the public is preoccupied with debating whether to approve or reject the new draft charter, says a political scientist.

Some former senators are trying to collect the signatures of their peers against the bill.

"This law will give great power to the Internal Security Operation Command [isoc] and in effect pass the power of government and politicians to the Army. It's a quiet coup and poses the question whether it will lead to Thailand becoming a military state," Chulalongkorn University political scientist Surachart Bamrungsuk said yesterday at a symposium on the proposed Internal Security Act organised by a group of former senators in cooperation with the Matichon newspaper group.

nationmultimedia.com

[VegasVic]

Law would be 'a coup by stealth'

Academic slams draft legislation; ex-senators to petition their peers

Published on July 15, 2007

The military junta is quietly staging yet another coup d'้tat, turning Thailand into its notorious neighbour, Burma, by trying to pass the draconian internal security bill while the public is preoccupied with debating whether to approve or reject the new draft charter, says a political scientist.

Some former senators are trying to collect the signatures of their peers against the bill.

"This law will give great power to the Internal Security Operation Command [isoc] and in effect pass the power of government and politicians to the Army. It's a quiet coup and poses the question whether it will lead to Thailand becoming a military state," Chulalongkorn University political scientist Surachart Bamrungsuk said yesterday at a symposium on the proposed Internal Security Act organised by a group of former senators in cooperation with the Matichon newspaper group.

nationmultimedia.com

Thanks for the article mid! I especially like the passage "It's a quiet coup and poses the question weather it will lead to Thailand becoming a military state" Maybe I am missing something here, lets see if my recolection of events is accurate: first the military ousts the PM and takes over the government by force, then the military disposes of the Thai constitution and at the same time disbands Thai parliment and any form of representative government, then about a month or so ago the military outlaws the the largest political party in Thailand (which coincidently just happens to oppose the coup leaders) and now this ISA is proposed by the coup leaders. I don't think that anyone in Thailand really needs to waste any time worrying about Thailand becoming a military state, due to the simple fact that THAILAND ALREADY IS A MILITARY STATE, or at least it is in the eyes of the rest of the world and by the defination of a military state as found in Websters dictionary! I posted many months ago that I thought that the likelyhood of free and fair elections this year were less than a 50-50 chance, I now revise that estimate to less than a 10% chance. I would like to think that the situation over there will work itself out (for the sake of the Thai people) but things appear to be degrading instead of improving, I am sorry to see this, the Thai people now more than ever before are in my prayers daily.

[dkstoney]

All the laws and the powers don't really matter, because at the end of the day Thai people do whatever the h3ll they want to do. They'll still ride their motorbikes on the walkways, allow 12-year olds to ride 4-on-a-motorbike with no helmets and only sandals on their feet, drive against traffic, throw litter from moving vehicles, squat on land, and all the other laws that go willfully unobserved. They'll continue to sell their wares and make ends meet the way they have always done. Most don't care about these types of issues. They would rather think about the next crop, or buying a brahma, or having some whiskey with friends. They already know their place in the pee-nong system and that there are many people out there that have vastly more resources than they and wield power over their heads who wish to trouble over all this, but the common folk just want to live their lives in peace.

[Mid]

Regional perspective :Our next trick: balancing security and liberty

Published on July 16, 2007

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanond tried to quell the growing outcry from civil society organisations over the new national security law, which was passed by the Cabinet recently.

He said the law would not proceed if all contentious points were not settled. For the Buddha's sake, he should have said that a long time ago. It is hard to understand why the government has to wait until matters reach boiling point before it tries to cool things down.

snip

If the law is implemented as is, it would literally turn the country into a banana republic under the control of the Army - the image we often see in cheap Hollywood movies. This will further reinforce the current widespread belief that the coup leaders are not different from other Third World military leaders, that they are power-hungry generals whose real motive is to usurp and maintain power.

snip

Kavi Chongkittavorn

nationmultimedia.com

[bkkandrew]

Army sees Isoc bill as a way to guard the country

Security bill aims to give sanction to Isoc, which has no proper legal basis

If the military is to do its job properly in safeguarding the Kingdom

Source: The Nation - 14 July 2007

Ok, just for one second, let's pretend that I am stupid.

Safeguard the Kingdom from who exactly?

Thaksin... Being re-elected...