MARA Patani warns government against “iron fist” response to power plant protest

By Thai PBS

 

 

MARA Patani has issued a statement warning the Thai government over the use of tough actions against protesters of coal-fired power plant in Songkhla’s Thepha district, saying this may cause “undesirable outcome.”

 

MARA Patani, the umbrella organisation which has been engaging in a peace dialogue with the Thai government, said they are closely monitoring with concern the latest development in the Deep South whereby some 16  “No Coal” activists were being detained by the authorities on Nov 27 for allegedly arousing public disorder and obstruction of officials’ duties.

 

“The government has again failed to demonstrate its openness to listen to the plight of its people . Thailand is a free country , a land of free people. As guaranteed by the constitution , the people has every right to determine what they want or do not want for themselves,” the group said the statement published on the group’s website marapatani.com today (Nov 28).

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/mara-patani-warns-government-iron-fist-response-power-plant-protest/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-11-29

"Thailand is a free country"

They must have missed the 2014 coup.

Wow, someone's pushing back. More to come I think.

a revolutuon in progress? power to the people

3 hours ago, bangkokheat said:

a revolutuon in progress? power to the people

Since the 1940's - you need to catch up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Thailand_insurgency

 

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

group’s website marapatani.com

Further states (in English):

 

"We stand firm in solidarity with the people of Thepha and remind the government that to proceed against the wish of the people and respond with iron fists will not only worsen the situation but may cause undesirable outcome similar to the Krisek and Tak Bai incidences of 2014." - Abu Hafez Al-Hakim for MARA Patani (28 November 2017)

http://www.marapatani.com/2017/11/28/kenyataan-media-media-statement/

 

That unequivocal and direct warning by Mara Patani is probably the first shot across the bow challenge to the junta. Normally that will result in a friendly chat in the camp. Will see how the junta react on this one. Interesting days ahead as the junta nosedive into more disasters and P-head continue to anger the population with his ill tempered and erratic behavior. 

Reaction came swift and heavy. Just a day after the visit, he extended ISA on these south provinces by another year. Isoc will be free to lay down their heavy handed methods for another year. Another tragic decision by Prayut. 

55 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

he extended ISA

"Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has extended use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Mae Lan district of Pattani and Chana, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi and Thepha districts of Songkhla for another year, starting on Friday."

http://travelwirenews.com/use-of-internal-security-law-extended-in-songkhla-pattani-533473/

Act extended every year since 2012.

Recalling that it was in the southern Muslim provinces that a large majority voted against the 2016 draft constitution in the Referendum. The new Constitution just means for them further empowering the military and pro-military establishment to continue human rights abuses and challenges against their cultural and ethnic heritage.

How about a referendum now for those three southern provinces as to whether they'd like to remain in the Kingdom of Thailand regardless of all the economic "goodies" Prayut offers? Then we'll see how empathetic Prayut is towards southern Muslims interests.

Military governments are made up of frustrated soldiers with no war to fight. They need a release for this frustration so they take up combat with anyone who stands in their way or dares challenge their authority. They also need war toys to play with to make themselves feel important. Thus exposed is their limited and immature intelligence.

They didn't order those new Armoured Personnel Carriers from China for no reason.