Outpouring of support for pro-poll detainees

By THE NATION

 

Pro-election activists remain in police custody yesterday after their planned march on Tuesday to demand an election this year was foiled. They have been moved to Din Daeng Police Station. (Photo Courtesy of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights )

 

LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS CALL ON THE JUNTA TO RELEASE DETAINED LEADERS; THAMMASAT SAYS NO TO LEGAL ACTION
 

INTERNATIONAL AND local communities yesterday lent their support to the pro-election group that is calling on authorities to release leaders arrested on Tuesday after their attempt to rally for an early election was suppressed.

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his government needed to enforce the law to stop the activist movement and to protect public safety, prevent turmoil, and move the country forward to democracy and good governance.

 

A dozen activists, led by the Democratic Restoration Group (DRG), were arrested and charged with sedition which carries a maximum seven-year prison term, and with violating the military junta’s ban on political gatherings of more than five people.

 

Well-known young activists Nuttha Mahattana, Rangsiman Rome, Sirawith Seritiwat, Ekachai Hongkangwan and Anon Nampa are among the arrested people. They were detained together yesterday at Din Daeng police station.

 

Many activists and politicians visited them at the stations, including Thanathorn Juangroongruan-gkit of Future Forward Party, former police commissioner Pol General Seripisut Temiyavet, and representatives of the Pheu Thai Party.

 

Seripisut offered a Bt1.5-million guarantee for the 14 activists but they had not been granted bail at press time last night.

 

Their lawyer, Krisdang Nutcharas, said the police might ask the court permission to extend their detention today.

 

Nuttha sent a message from her cellphone, saying she and her colleagues were in good spirits and they would never give up their fight for democracy.

 

A message from Sirawith said: “I will not allow the junta to stay in power for five years.”

 

Rangsiman called on politicians to join the people’s movement to fight for their right to have an election.

 

‘Drop all charges’

 

Earlier, the UN Human Rights Office called for the immediate release of pro-election activists. “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.

 

The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) yesterday also called on Thai authorities to immediately drop all charges and unconditionally release the 14 pro-democracy activists who had peacefully expressed their opposition to military rule.

 

“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, in a statement.

 

Two Thammasat student organisations also called for the release of the activists, saying the students supported freedom of expression and assembly.

 

The DRG stayed overnight |at the Thammasat University Tha Pracha campus on Monday before their planned 5km march |to Government House was |foiled.

 

Thammasat University said  yesterday that despite the police’s suggestion, it would not pursue legal cases against pro-democracy protesters for breaking the university’s gate key.

 

“The university views the incident as caused by the chaotic situation. The damage was also minor,” the university said in a statement.

“We will not pursue cases against students and activists but will instead try to communicate with them more.”

 

Thammasat is regarded historically as a stronghold of the pro-democracy movement. Major student uprisings in Thai history in 1973 began at its Tha Prachan campus.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30346137

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-05-24

25 minutes ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his government needed to enforce the law to stop the activist movement and to protect public safety, prevent turmoil, and move the country forward to democracy and good governance.

 

This statement by Prayut does not hold up compared to the image(s) of a handful of people protesting for the right to an election confronted by a massive police/military presence.

 

Try all you want, but the protesters have captured the moral high ground. Will it be enough? I think that is very unclear at the moment, but there is certainly new focus on the issue; that is a good thing.

 

Thai people, what say you?

 

Edited May 23, 20188 yr by Samui Bodoh
Lack of coffee

They were like lambs to the slaughter. 

A handful of optimistic students fighting for their country. Surrounded  by hundreds of government forces that refused to let them express themselves. They showed no fear, though the average person would be shaking in their boots. I'm sure they thought thousands of people would come, but less than a few hundred came and then it rained, so most went home. I talked to a few thai. They said it was such a small protest, and didn't think the over the top security was necessary at all. The march was going to be a short walk to deliver a letter, and planned to be finished at 12.30 , and no drama at all. It probably would have got a day in the news. 

Instead the government has caused great chaos themselves, hundreds of riot police, hundreds of security police, paddy wagons, police dogs, big trucks with loud speakers , all up against a handful of students and old people. It was a spectacular event caused by the government themselves. Now, they want to put these brave individuals in the prison for 7 years, the story has gone international, it's in every paper around the world. Another over the top reaction to a minor symbolic gathering of people. It is not the students causing turmoil and preventing the country moving towards democracy, it is the government themselves. 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his government needed to enforce the law

I suggest the PM takes a long hard look at his right hand man before he talks about enforcing the law. 

 

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his government needed to enforce the law to stop the activist movement and to protect public safety, prevent turmoil, and move the country forward to democracy and good governance.

what generalized crap, they hide behind this mantra which can be used to justify anything

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Thai people, what say you?

"wheres  my  bowl of  somtam"

What a total, absolute moron the Leader is - to say that the demonstrators, who are calling for democracy, are blocking democracy. The only person blocking democracy is Prayut himself - and his band of authoritarians.

 

Good to see that Thanathorn (of the Future Forward Party) went to visit the imprisoned protesters. Where was the great 'democrat' Abhisit? Where were all these other 'new young parties'? I am beginning to get more respect for Thanathorn, as he is actually walking the walk and not just talking the talk. Of course, it is a long, long walk and much can happen ...

 

The good thing is that through their idiocy, the junta are calling down negative world press coverage upon themselves. This might - just might - encourage and inspire more and more Thais to stand up and take their country back. That is my hope  - a very slender one, it is true, but still a degree of hope.

This is only the start, much more to come.

Many many people are watching what is happening with this, slowly very slowly people will wake up to what is going on and start to get involved, .

Problem is getting the normally quiet people to stir.

I am reminded of that wonderful chorus from Les Miserables, "Do you hear the people sing", when a group of young students rise up against the government of the day. Part of the lyrics say " Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see? Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free.". I wish these brave young men and women every success in their struggle against oppression and hope that their courage will give others hope and a desire to join their movement for democracy!

Sent from my X98 Plus II (C2D6) using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

1 hour ago, YetAnother said:

what generalized crap, they hide behind this mantra which can be used to justify anything

You know what it reminds me of? Apartheid South Africa. Blacks in white waiting rooms? Well these uppity blacks need to be reminded that there are laws, laws which must be obeyed. Can't have them spreading chaos and threatening public safety while the country is moving forward.

I mean never mind if a law is frankly disgusting and imposed on a society by one faction with no mandate to do so. No, it must be obeyed nevertheless even as that faction break their own 'laws' with impunity. 

1 hour ago, Eligius said:

What a total, absolute moron the Leader is - to say that the demonstrators, who are calling for democracy, are blocking democracy. The only person blocking democracy is Prayut himself - and his band of authoritarians.

 

Good to see that Thanathorn (of the Future Forward Party) went to visit the imprisoned protesters. Where was the great 'democrat' Abhisit? Where were all these other 'new young parties'? I am beginning to get more respect for Thanathorn, as he is actually walking the walk and not just talking the talk. Of course, it is a long, long walk and much can happen ...

 

The good thing is that through their idiocy, the junta are calling down negative world press coverage upon themselves. This might - just might - encourage and inspire more and more Thais to stand up and take their country back. That is my hope  - a very slender one, it is true, but still a degree of hope.

Ajarn Sulak  Sivaraksa went to visit the prisoners too. 

Thai people wake up!

The students are good. Support them.

43 minutes ago, graemeaylward said:

I am reminded of that wonderful chorus from Les Miserables, "Do you hear the people sing", when a group of young students rise up against the government of the day. Part of the lyrics say " Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see? Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free.". I wish these brave young men and women every success in their struggle against oppression and hope that their courage will give others hope and a desire to join their movement for democracy!

Sent from my X98 Plus II (C2D6) using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

The Thai version of 'Do you hear the People sing?' by the band Fai Yen....

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his government needed to enforce the law to stop the activist movement and to protect public safety, prevent turmoil, and move the country forward to democracy and good governance.

Compare that to about 5 years ago, when this same Prayut was supporting (in secret) a known thug (Suthep) who led protests in the center of Bangkok. That movement's goal was to create turmoil so Prayut could step in to shut down democracy.

 

Talking about an epic u-turn.

56 minutes ago, Bob12345 said:

Compare that to about 5 years ago, when this same Prayut was supporting (in secret) a known thug (Suthep) who led protests in the center of Bangkok. That movement's goal was to create turmoil so Prayut could step in to shut down democracy.

 

Talking about an epic u-turn.

I would argue that it's not really a u-turn, because all along those in power have been applying the law selectively to further their own interests. It's never been about 'the people'. See it for what it is, and none of this should be a surprise.

The activists number may be small but in this world of social media and internet, they have gained an enormous public support and got the attention of the Human Right Group and Amnesty International. Their protests were reported in foreign media and got good global coverage. The massive turnout of police and military personnel, the intimidation of supporters and the arrests backfired in the court of public opinion. Numbers doesn't matter and the bold student activists have succeeded to pressure the junta by peaceful method. Kudos to them and I salute them for their perseverance and the sacrifices they and their families have made for the country. 

I did not know wanting a free election was a crime?  The Eu wants to meet this Pm  My god

21 minutes ago, Happyman58 said:

The Eu wants to meet this Pm  My god

We can only hope they want to meet him so as to give him

a "very stern talking to"  ? ? and that there are protesters waving pinocchio placards where ever he goes.

Edited May 24, 20188 yr by johng

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Thammasat University said  yesterday that despite the police’s suggestion, it would not pursue legal cases against pro-democracy protesters for breaking the university’s gate key.

Oh how noble.

This is a genuine question. Is a law legal if it was introduced by an illegal government?

And now I see Buddha isara has been arrested. 

Just to show fairness. 

Of course these cases never seem to reach the penalty awards. 

Ask Suthep? ??

8 hours ago, rkidlad said:

I suggest the PM takes a long hard look at his right hand man before he talks about enforcing the law. 

 

 

 

He didn't say enforcing all laws, against all people, equally and fairly, without favor or bias, now did he! 

 

That good old selectivity, loopholes, and leave every decision to whatever the one in charge wants thingy!

2 hours ago, Saladin said:

This is a genuine question. Is a law legal if it was introduced by an illegal government?

 

Only it's an irrelevant question as the context you think might exist doesn't in reality, only in your mind. 

3 hours ago, johng said:

We can only hope they want to meet him so as to give him

a "very stern talking to"  ? ? and that there are protesters waving pinocchio placards where ever he goes.

 

You are joking! EU only interesting in themselves and what opportunities there are in Thailand for their own little quangos and NGO's.

Just now, Saladin said:

This is a genuine question. Is a law legal if it was introduced by an illegal government?

I was told by a Thai lawyer that the post coup legal team use the argument put forward by a prominent English lawyer of the past who said a government in control of a functioning state is de facto a legal government, never mind how they came to power. I'll try to find out his name.

3 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

The activists number may be small but in this world of social media and internet, they have gained an enormous public support and got the attention of the Human Right Group and Amnesty International. Their protests were reported in foreign media and got good global coverage. The massive turnout of police and military personnel, the intimidation of supporters and the arrests backfired in the court of public opinion. Numbers doesn't matter and the bold student activists have succeeded to pressure the junta by peaceful method. Kudos to them and I salute them for their perseverance and the sacrifices they and their families have made for the country. 

 

HRG and Amnesty International are jokes nowadays. Jump on anything for a bit of publicity and to hear their own voices. Does anyone actually take them seriously anymore?

 

The issue is they don't actually seem to have gained the enormous public support you imagine; not in any demonstrable way. Otherwise there would be mass marches and upheaval. Whether people agree or disagree, support of don't support, most simply seem either resigned to things or not that bothered.

 

A population like that is open to Juntas and Kleptocracies, and sadly get what others think they deserve.

2 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

 

HRG and Amnesty International are jokes nowadays. Jump on anything for a bit of publicity and to hear their own voices. Does anyone actually take them seriously anymore?

 

The issue is they don't actually seem to have gained the enormous public support you imagine; not in any demonstrable way. Otherwise there would be mass marches and upheaval. Whether people agree or disagree, support of don't support, most simply seem either resigned to things or not that bothered.

 

A population like that is open to Juntas and Kleptocracies, and sadly get what others think they deserve.

I think the whole United Nations set-up is just a joke. Do nothing solve nothing and everybody gets paid big bucks 

11 hours ago, rkidlad said:

I suggest the PM takes a long hard look at his right hand man before he talks about enforcing the law. 

 

 

Just his right hand will do.

He is, after all, a master debater....

They got bail. 

Yahoo.