HRW to junta: release peaceful pro-election protesters

[webfact]

HRW to junta: release peaceful pro-election protesters

By The Nation

 

 

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for Thai authorities to immediately drop all charges and unconditionally release 14 pro-democracy activists who peacefully expressed their opposition to military rule.

 

The activists were arrested yesterday as they attempted to march to Government House to push for an early election. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted that the poll will be no sooner than early 2019.

 

“The arrest of peaceful democracy activists calling for free and fair elections shows that Thailand’s military junta has no intention of easing its oppressive rule,” said Brad Adams, HRW Asia director, on Tuesday.

 

“Gagging peaceful public protests makes a mockery of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s self-proclaimed commitment to return Thailand to democracy,” he added.

 

The protest leaders arrested were Anon Nampa, Chonthicha Jangrew, Nuttha Mahattana, Ekachai Hongkangwan, and Chokchai Paiboonrachata. Three others – Rangsiman Rome, Siriwaith Seritiwat and Piyarat Chongthep – also turned themselves in soon after. Six others were also arrested.

 

They were charged with sedition, which carries a maximum seven-year prison term, and violating the military junta’s ban on political gatherings of more than five people.

 

“With each new politically motivated arrest, Thailand’s path toward democracy is fading,” Adams said.

 

He called for governments around the world to press the junta to set a firm date for elections and allow people and political parties to organise and express their visions for the future of the country.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30346075

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-05-23

[petermik]

"With each new politically motivated arrest,Thailands path toward democracy is fading"

The only type of "democracy" the Junta is interested in is the one which they control.............

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

12 minutes ago, webfact said:

They were charged with sedition, which carries a maximum seven-year prison term, and violating the military junta’s ban on political gatherings of more than five people. 

 

Sedition??? For a peaceful march calling for democratic elections????

 

Someone has gone totally off the deep end.

 

[Eligius]

4 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Sedition??? For a peaceful march calling for democratic elections????

 

Someone has gone totally off the deep end.

 

Yes, I know - it's undiluted lunacy, isn't it? Calling on the Leader to keep his promise of a November 2018 election is now deemed 'sedition'. 

Truly, this country is run by the Orwellian 'Ministry of Truth' - where words really mean the opposite of what they say.

 

Heaven help Thailand - or better still, let the Thais (en masse) help Thailand!

[Eric Loh]

Calling for election is not sedition.

Seizing power from an elected government is sedition. 

Silly buggers.

[webfact]

UN agency adds to calls for release of pro-election protesters

By The Nation

 

 

The UN Human Rights Office has called for the immediate release of pro-election activists who were arrested and charged on Tuesday after their rally demanding that an election be held this year.

 

“We have consistently urged the Thai Government, as a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to fully respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the office said in a statement posted on Facebook.

 

Fourteen pro-election activists were arrested yesterday as they attempted to march to Government House to push for an early election to be held by the end of 2018. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted that the poll will be no sooner than early 2019.

 

The activists were charged with sedition, which carries a maximum seven-year prison term, and violating the military junta’s ban on political gatherings of more than five people.

 

The statement said the UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia, together with other UN offices, had observed a peaceful assembly organised by “Individuals Who Want Election” during the two-day rally on Monday and Tuesday.

 

UN observers also coordinated and held meetings with both the organisers and officials from the Royal Thai Police, it said.

 

The demonstration at Thammasat University was held to remember the four-year anniversary of the May 22, 2014 military coup.

 

Human Rights Watch has also demanded that the 14 detainees be released and all charges dropped.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30346079

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-05-23

[trainman34014]

Tick Tock, tick tock...Thailand is a ticking Time Bomb and sooner or later it ill explode....then watch all the self important Generals run away with their tails between their legs !

[Get Real]

They are talking to real deaf ears.

[Eligius]

42 minutes ago, trainman34014 said:

Tick Tock, tick tock...Thailand is a ticking Time Bomb and sooner or later it ill explode....then watch all the self important Generals run away with their tails between their legs !

Yes, the junta is leaving the Thai people no other avenue open to effect democratic change. The junta will simply not listen to reason (indeed, people are not even allowed to speak it publicly - or they will be 'attitude adjusted').

 

Sadly, though, I think yesterday's very small demonstration (after four years of junta domination) is a pointer to the future: the bulk of the Thais are clearly not all that energised and outraged by the loss of their political and civil liberties. If they were - the crowds would be much, much bigger at a key anniversary like yesterday's. The junta are not going to let up on their repression - so unless massive numbers of Thais feel sufficiently furious (not just a bit unhappy) about what the junta is doing to them and actually get out there on the streets, nothing much will change in Thailand from how it is now. 

 

No one knows the future with total certitude (the unexpected can always intervene), but I fear that, yes, the crowds of protesters will grow by a few thousand in the coming months and especially next February, but that those crowds will still be manageable by the junta, who will not baulk at mowing down a few dissidents 'pour encourager les autres'. Remember: the army boss behind the 2010 massacre of civilians in Bangkok is the army boss who is in charge (allegedly) of the whole country now. He is not known or celebrated for his benevolence and moral scruples. 

 

The only strength the Thais have, if they wish to display strength, is in NUMBERS. This is absolutely vital; it is the key to success. No limited little protests (and trotting along with the police to be arrested) will work. I seriously doubt now (especially after yesterday's minuscule turnout: remember how some posters weeks back were saying, 'wait till 22 May - and then see the Thais take to the streets!'?) that the Thais collectively have the stomach for this massive struggle that is staring them in the face if they want their freedom. They have in all likelihood made their decision and are just going to carry on serfing away under continuing political oppression. I wish it were not so -  but I honestly don't see any signs of real fury, rage and courageous rebellion amongst the bulk of either the educated or semi-educated Thais that I daily interact with.   

 

 

  

Edited May 23, 2018 by Eligius

[rkidlad]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The arrest of peaceful democracy activists calling for free and fair elections shows that Thailand’s military junta has no intention of easing its oppressive rule,” said Brad Adams

Yea but, apparently they will hold a meeting with political parties in June/July to discuss about letting other political parties campaign. They just have to pass some bills, etc. Did Brad not know that we are all supposed to take Prayut at his word? 

[Odysseus123]

1 hour ago, Eligius said:

Yes, the junta is leaving the Thai people no other avenue open to effect democratic change. The junta will simply not listen to reason (indeed, people are not even allowed to speak it publicly - or they will be 'attitude adjusted').

 

Sadly, though, I think yesterday's very small demonstration (after four years of junta domination) is a pointer to the future: the bulk of the Thais are clearly not all that energised and outraged by the loss of their political and civil liberties. If they were - the crowds would be much, much bigger at a key anniversary like yesterday's. The junta are not going to let up on their repression - so unless massive numbers of Thais feel sufficiently furious (not just a bit unhappy) about what the junta is doing to them and actually get out there on the streets, nothing much will change in Thailand from how it is now. 

 

No one knows the future with total certitude (the unexpected can always intervene), but I fear that, yes, the crowds of protesters will grow by a few thousand in the coming months and especially next February, but that those crowds will still be manageable by the junta, who will not baulk at mowing down a few dissidents 'pour encourager les autres'. Remember: the army boss behind the 2010 massacre of civilians in Bangkok is the army boss who is in charge (allegedly) of the whole country now. He is not known or celebrated for his benevolence and moral scruples. 

 

The only strength the Thais have, if they wish to display strength, is in NUMBERS. This is absolutely vital; it is the key to success. No limited little protests (and trotting along with the police to be arrested) will work. I seriously doubt now (especially after yesterday's minuscule turnout: remember how some posters weeks back were saying, 'wait till 22 May - and then see the Thais take to the streets!'?) that the Thais collectively have the stomach for this massive struggle that is staring them in the face if they want their freedom. They have in all likelihood made their decision and are just going to carry on serfing away under continuing political oppression. I wish it were not so -  but I honestly don't see any signs of real fury, rage and courageous rebellion amongst the bulk of either the educated or semi-educated Thais that I daily interact with.   

 

 

  

Interesting post and one which has many merits.

 

But-I seriously doubt whether the Thai gov't will have to mow down anyone in the near future.The forms of social/cultural and administrative control are just too severe here now-as they are in two neighboring countries.

 

Besides there is an inherit little attractive 'bribe" as well.The promise that you can be little,happy, drunken anarchists (driving,rorting,disobeying the law etc) on one level whilst we are 'governing' on another.

 

I am quite sure that making them all wear helmets would spark more of a backlash than cries for a Potemkin like democracy.

 

Of course, that might all change if the middle class-civil/commercial-were struck with a major economic catastrophe but if they are not then I can't see much change coming.

 

This post is not a comment on the bravery of those people who did attend the protests.

Edited May 23, 2018 by Odysseus123

[TKDfella]

4 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Tick Tock, tick tock...Thailand is a ticking Time Bomb and sooner or later it ill explode....then watch all the self important Generals run away with their tails between their legs !

Well except those not weighed down by wrist watches and fat stomachs.

[spidermike007]

The army and it's tiny leaders are absolutely desperate, and fearful, like never before. They see their power waning by the day, as the approval of their rule is plummeting. Is the gravy train coming to an end? We certainly hope so. 

 

So, they resort to ridiculous and overly oppressive tactics like forbidding public demonstrations, and declaring participants to be guilty of sedition. Sedition,  crime against the state. Though sedition may have the same ultimate effect as treason, it is generally limited to the offense of organizing or encouraging opposition to government in a manner (such as in speech or writing) that falls short of the more dangerous offenses constituting treason.

 

The enforcement of such draconian laws, is showing a level of desperation and weakness on the part of the tiny man. People have a right to be fed up with him, his constant delays, and lame excuses for not turning over power to the people, and democratic rule, whatever that means here. This administration is incompetent beyond the reaches of one's imagination. 

 

Get out. Leave now. You are not wanted. You are not popular. You are not chosen. Leave, leave, leave. 

Edited May 23, 2018 by spidermike007

[Eligius]

3 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

The army and it's tiny leaders are absolutely desperate, and fearful, like never before. They see their power waning by the day, as the approval of their rule is plummeting. Is the gravy train coming to an end? We certainly hope so. 

 

So, they resort to ridiculous and overly oppressive tactics like forbidding public demonstrations, and declaring participants to be guilty of sedition. Sedition,  crime against the state. Though sedition may have the same ultimate effect as treason, it is generally limited to the offense of organizing or encouraging opposition to government in a manner (such as in speech or writing) that falls short of the more dangerous offenses constituting treason.

 

Though there may be a legal basis for enforcing such laws, it is showing a level of desperation and weakness on the part of the tiny man. People have a right to be fed up with him, his constant delays, and lame excuses for not turning over power to the people, and democratic rule, whatever that means here. This administration is incompetent beyond the reaches of one's imagination.

 

Get out. Leave now. You are not wanted. You are not popular. You are not chosen. Leave, leave, leave. 

Great post, as always, Spidermike007. Note that Webster's Dictionary defines 'sedition' thus: 'incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority'. The junta are not lawful: they seized power without the consent of the Thai people and thus committed (in effect) treason against the people. Nothing they have said, done or planned has any legality to it whatsoever - it is all null and void under international law and certainly has no moral underpinning at all. Thus, the word 'sedition' in such a context is wholly misplaced. 

 

The junta, too, should be 'mis-placed' - placed out far into the deep depths of the blue ocean where they can do no one any further harm. 

[Enoon]

4 hours ago, Eligius said:

 but I honestly don't see any signs of real fury, rage and courageous rebellion amongst the bulk of either the educated or semi-educated Thais that I daily interact with.   

 

 

  

 

Everyone will keep smiling until the last second.

 

Foreigners.......so impatient.

 

 

[Enoon]

7 hours ago, petermik said:

"With each new politically motivated arrest,Thailands path toward democracy is fading"

The only type of "democracy" the Junta is interested in is the one which they control.............

 

The hope for a peaceful path toward democracy is fading.

 

 

Edited May 23, 2018 by Enoon

[Happyman58]

This Pm is off to Europe next month. What for?  Maybe looking for a villa when the sh  it hits the fan and he has to exit the country in a hurry  Who knows?  But the bank accounts will be full 

[InfinityandBeyond]

7 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Tick Tock, tick tock...Thailand is a ticking Time Bomb and sooner or later it ill explode....then watch all the self important Generals run away with their tails between their legs !

And their offshore bank accts!

[55Jay]

Wanted to Like Eric Loh's post #5 but.....

 

 

 

 

 

[InfinityandBeyond]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

The army and it's tiny leaders are absolutely desperate, and fearful, like never before. They see their power waning by the day, as the approval of their rule is plummeting. Is the gravy train coming to an end? We certainly hope so. 

 

So, they resort to ridiculous and overly oppressive tactics like forbidding public demonstrations, and declaring participants to be guilty of sedition. Sedition,  crime against the state. Though sedition may have the same ultimate effect as treason, it is generally limited to the offense of organizing or encouraging opposition to government in a manner (such as in speech or writing) that falls short of the more dangerous offenses constituting treason.

 

The enforcement of such draconian laws, is showing a level of desperation and weakness on the part of the tiny man. People have a right to be fed up with him, his constant delays, and lame excuses for not turning over power to the people, and democratic rule, whatever that means here. This administration is incompetent beyond the reaches of one's imagination. 

 

Get out. Leave now. You are not wanted. You are not popular. You are not chosen. Leave, leave, leave. 

I agree with your sentiments 100%, Spidey. These cats are off their heads.  But don't forget, since 1932 there have been 25 general elections and 19 coups. Nearly 1 coup for every election. 

 

The amart/PTB have a stranglehold over the people, education system, economy and hence the nation. 

 

Leaders are "selected" by the amart. Fair and free democratic elections are just window dressing to avoid int'l trade sanctions or red/yellow cards. Call it the "Siamese Candidate" or whatever. But if the choice of the elite is not elected they stage a coup. 

 

Sadly, Prayut (or any other suitable frog-whispering, ass puppets who are in line to get their snouts in the trough) are not going anywhere. The elections (whenever they will be held) are already rigged and will be a farce. 

 

It has been 86 years of election then coup. I think we can expect more of the same unless things really boil over. 

 

As for Prayut. He is a big zero in the greater scheme of things. 

 

People should be targeting those that pull his strings and have rammed through draconian and authoritarian laws (and a farcical new constitution) to mute the masses under threat of severe punishment for simply voicing what they believe to be their right to choose their government and live freely. 

 

Welcome to Medieval Times (or Thailand 4.0).

[holy cow cm]

Keep it coming. IN YO face Big P and Small p. Is Prem going to sleep at night?

[Eligius]

21 minutes ago, InfinityandBeyond said:

I agree with your sentiments 100%, Spidey. These cats are off their heads.  But don't forget, since 1932 there have been 25 general elections and 19 coups. Nearly 1 coup for every election. 

 

The amart/PTB have a stranglehold over the people, education system, economy and hence the nation. 

 

Leaders are "selected" by the amart. Fair and free democratic elections are just window dressing to avoid int'l trade sanctions or red/yellow cards. Call it the "Siamese Candidate" or whatever. But if the choice of the elite is not elected they stage a coup. 

 

Sadly, Prayut (or any other suitable frog-whispering, ass puppets who are in line to get their snouts in the trough) are not going anywhere. The elections (whenever they will be held) are already rigged and will be a farce. 

 

It has been 86 years of election then coup. I think we can expect more of the same unless things really boil over. 

 

As for Prayut. He is a big zero in the greater scheme of things. 

 

People should be targeting those that pull his strings and have rammed through draconian and authoritarian laws (and a farcical new constitution) to mute the masses under threat of severe punishment for simply voicing what they believe to be their right to choose their government and live freely. 

 

Welcome to Medieval Times (or Thailand 4.0).

Wonderful post, Infinityandbeyond! Every point you make hits home hard.

 

I completely agree with you that the 'election' has already been essentially rigged and will be a farce - an insult to the intelligence - just like the referendum on the 'Constitution', where (remember?) any poor Thai would get 10 years in jail if he/she dared publicly to speak out against that treacherous document.

 

As you say, there have almost been as many coups in the past decades as there have been elections. Clearly this is all working out just as the hidden (and not so hidden) Thai 'elites' planned and desired it.

 

And yes, yes, yes, you are so right: welcome to Thailand, the shameful throwback to the Dark Ages!

[InfinityandBeyond]

2 hours ago, Eligius said:

Wonderful post, Infinityandbeyond! Every point you make hits home hard.

 

I completely agree with you that the 'election' has already been essentially rigged and will be a farce - an insult to the intelligence - just like the referendum on the 'Constitution', where (remember?) any poor Thai would get 10 years in jail if he/she dared publicly to speak out against that treacherous document.

 

As you say, there have almost been as many coups in the past decades as there have been elections. Clearly this is all working out just as the hidden (and not so hidden) Thai 'elites' planned and desired it.

 

And yes, yes, yes, you are so right: welcome to Thailand, the shameful throwback to the Dark Ages!

Just calling it as I see it. In a society based upon an ancient caste system, superstition, and deference to those in  "authority," you end up with an entire nation that is basically a pyramid marketing scheme.  

 

Add greed, lust for power, corruption and nepotism into that mix and you get injustice and vice on a grand scale. 

[spidermike007]

12 hours ago, InfinityandBeyond said:

I agree with your sentiments 100%, Spidey. These cats are off their heads.  But don't forget, since 1932 there have been 25 general elections and 19 coups. Nearly 1 coup for every election. 

 

The amart/PTB have a stranglehold over the people, education system, economy and hence the nation. 

 

Leaders are "selected" by the amart. Fair and free democratic elections are just window dressing to avoid int'l trade sanctions or red/yellow cards. Call it the "Siamese Candidate" or whatever. But if the choice of the elite is not elected they stage a coup. 

 

Sadly, Prayut (or any other suitable frog-whispering, ass puppets who are in line to get their snouts in the trough) are not going anywhere. The elections (whenever they will be held) are already rigged and will be a farce. 

 

It has been 86 years of election then coup. I think we can expect more of the same unless things really boil over. 

 

As for Prayut. He is a big zero in the greater scheme of things. 

 

People should be targeting those that pull his strings and have rammed through draconian and authoritarian laws (and a farcical new constitution) to mute the masses under threat of severe punishment for simply voicing what they believe to be their right to choose their government and live freely. 

 

Welcome to Medieval Times (or Thailand 4.0).

You may be right. But let us not forget one detail. Ever since the late 1940's, the army has had at least some moral authority, as they had been sanctioned by the great man. That is no longer the case. There is no moral authority now. None. So, that changes the equation. Next time (if there is a next time), there will be nobody to provide that moral authority, and the result could be ugly and violent. That may be part of the reason these desperados are hanging on for dear life.

[chainarong]

23 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Sedition??? For a peaceful march calling for democratic elections????

 

Someone has gone totally off the deep end.

 

A well know fact for some time,  there's a few nutters pushing the barrow towards totalitarian government..

[InfinityandBeyond]

On 5/24/2018 at 9:04 AM, spidermike007 said:

You may be right. But let us not forget one detail. Ever since the late 1940's, the army has had at least some moral authority, as they had been sanctioned by the great man. That is no longer the case. There is no moral authority now. None. So, that changes the equation. Next time (if there is a next time), there will be nobody to provide that moral authority, and the result could be ugly and violent. That may be part of the reason these desperados are hanging on for dear life.

Agreed. In some parts. However, there is an ex-general, ex-PM, (ca. 1980-1988) and recent ex-regent (defacto ruler) as well as President of His Late Majesty's (Rama IX) Privy Council that has wielded significant political power in the last 4 decades. 

I can't say more. This person has gigantic authority. Whether it is moral or not depends on which side of the fence you are on: affluent beyond your abilities with a sense of entitlement or subjected to a lifetime of poverty. 

Every pyramid scheme needs someone at the top and some in the levels below to succeed. 

In conclusion, there is one very powerful figure calling the shots and has done so thru the end of one monarchy and into the next one. 

Prayuth et al are just following orders. Puppets. 

There is a great BBC interview with HM Bhumibol Adulyadej from the late 70s or early 80s where he admits that he is living in a gilded cage. Will try to find a link and post it.