Junta never tires of tough-guy games

[webfact]

Junta never tires of tough-guy games

By The Nation

 

 

National security is ‘under threat’ yet again and a single mum with T-shirts gets separated from her kids

 

The military junta has no justification for detaining a citizen just because she had in her possession T-shirts bearing an insignia that it claims to belong to some obscure insurrectionist group.

 

That’s how Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan tried on Monday to explain the move, saying the red-and-white emblem was the “flag” of the Organisation for Thai Federation, an organisation he accused of plotting against national security.

 

It was further pointed out that the junta has the authority to arrest and detain people for up to seven days. People can also be interrogated without access to a lawyer under the same decree, which represents a mockery of democratic principles. Four years after the coup, the generals still seem bent on shredding Thailand’s international reputation as a progressive, welcoming country by flexing their authoritarian muscles.

 

The 30-year-old mother of two, who works as a motorbike-taxi driver, was taken from her home last Thursday and detained at a military base. The arresting soldiers confiscated several T-shirts with the emblem the junta deems a threat. There has been no indication whether she will be charged with any offence.

 

Lawyers and rights advocates believe she could be accused of sedition under Article 116 of the Penal Code, but it is difficult to fathom how possession of T-shirts would justify that. The Army, with its half a million troops, would have to prove intent to provoke social unrest or destabilise the military government by means of an obscure logo on everyday items of clothing.

 

We as yet have no evidence, let alone proof, that the emblem is connected to the Federation of Thai States, a group whose name has never in history appeared on any list of separatist movements. Associates of the detained woman insist she has never been involved with any political movement. Rather, she’s a single mum struggling to feed three mouths. Her frightened sons, ages nine and 14, were finally able to visit her at the Army base on Monday, four days after her arrest. The speculation is that she ordered a quantity of the T-shirts to re-sell for extra income.

 

Rights lawyers say three other individuals in possession of similar T-shirts have previously been charged with instigating unrest and were detained at Bangkok Remand Prison. One was later freed on bail. It is unbelievable that the junta continues to use illegitimate tactics on the eve of a promised election aimed at restoring democracy. Post-coup pledges to reform society, including the police force and the justice system, long ago fell by the wayside. 

 

Instead, we’ve had sustained instability as a means to perpetuate the military’s grip on power. There has been a steady drip of warnings from the generals that this group or that was poised to cause chaos. These are fiction, concocted to keep citizens fearful of imminent danger, but in the meantime people are being arrested for foolish reasons. Every time pressure has mounted on the junta to schedule an election, people have been jailed or summoned for “attitude adjustment”. 

 

The Army has had ample time to get the country back to the “normal” state we enjoyed before all the political violence. The hope now is that an elected civilian government will restore democratic rule of law, dispensing with all trappings of dictatorship. For now, the military should show some compassion and free the woman with the T-shirts.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30354263

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-09-12

[darksidedog]

Imprisoning a mum with two kids for possession of a few T shirts is a new low even for the totally paranoid Junta. Obviously such concepts as basic civil liberties are an alien concept to them. If they behave like this now, how in the hell are any political parties going to be able to legitimately broadcast their message, if the restriction on political campaigning is ever lifted? If a T Shirt can end you up in jail, what will a true message from a political rival expect? 

The NCPO has nothing whatsoever to do with peace and order and everything to do with repression and total control, and it is long overdue for them to be gone.

They are doing nothing positive whatsoever for Thailand, other than serving their own ends and slowly but surely dragging the country back into the dark ages..

[Samui Bodoh]

"...The Army, with its half a million troops, would have to prove intent to provoke social unrest or destabilise the military government by means of an obscure logo on everyday items of clothing..."

 

No, they don't have to prove anything if the courts go along with all their wishes, especially the military courts. And, even without the courts, the military can/will simply harass her into total submission.

 

"...The hope now is that an elected civilian government will restore democratic rule of law, dispensing with all trappings of dictatorship...."

 

Alas, I do not see this happening. The Thai people have allowed themselves to be used and abused for four years, and I can't imagine that the military will allow a truly civilian government (that isn't theirs) or give up the powers that they have taken.

 

If the Thai people want their rights and freedoms back, they are going to have to fight for them.

 

This will not end well.

 

Sad, sad times for beloved Thailand.

 

[Cadbury]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

That’s how Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan tried on Monday to explain the move, saying the red-and-white emblem was the “flag” of the Organisation for Thai Federation, an organisation he accused of plotting against national security.

Deputy PM Prawit presently seems to being going through some aging mental crisis. This example of gross paranoia follows on the heals of his claim that Koh Tao is an island of peace, safety and and tranquility and that there is no mafia violence and t]he local police are as pure as the driven snow. 

As further evidence of his fragile condition he has just announced he has returned his borrowed watches to a dead person.

Perhaps a period of convalescence and rest in an appropriate sanitarium would be a good thing for this unfortunate man.

 

[chainarong]

Quite obviously a complete break down of human rights exists in Thailand, who gives a toss what someone wears, one out of seventy million people, the ratio to cause a revolt is scarcely a worrying trend , Thailand is on the same level as Cambodia, Russia and China when it comes to narrow minded political opportunism and oppression. If I ever visit again, just to be sure I'll leave my yellow and red Tee shirts at home. 

[colinneil]

Its all about control, Ole Fatty and his cronies think they are still in the army.

Control the peasants with threats and intimidation.

[Lungstib]

That "the junta has the authority to arrest and detain people for up to seven days"  is far more worrying than a woman purchasing a few T shirts from a site in Laos from a movement that nobody has yet heard about. The creation of enemies and their supposed causes has been a tool used for 4 years but the NCPO's actions have brought far more international condemnation than any of these minor players. The article well described it with "we’ve had sustained instability as a means to perpetuate the military’s grip on power."   It really is time to say 'enough'.

[yellowboat]

Remember walking home one night through the many Yellow encampments at the end of 2013, being searched, then having to walk around one encampment, as the gate was closed because it was late.  All that went through my mind was "this will not end well".   An arrest over T-shirts is hardly evidence of anything other than a lawless, frightened government. 

[Hayduke]

 

People often have governments they may not want…

 

People often have governments they may not like…

 

But unfortunately, people almost always have the governments they deserve.

 

Thailand is no exception.

 

[IamNoone88]

I would have thought that there was bigger fish to fry? Like fixing a few things - education, healthcare, economy ......

[Oziex1]

30 minutes ago, IamNoone88 said:

I would have thought that there was bigger fish to fry? Like fixing a few things - education, healthcare, economy ......

We have said before I say it again they have one purpose, to ensure the pipeline of cash flows to the elites that is their charter.

[alant]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Four years after the coup, the generals still seem bent on shredding Thailand’s international reputation as a progressive, welcoming country by flexing their authoritarian muscles.

The generals are fine, I have yet to hear of any country or block to take action against them. The USA does not, The UK does not, the EU does not, China does not, Japan does not, Rusia does not and so on.

Where as many another nation need only to pass wind in a crowded room to have sanctions threatened I have yet to see that here.

My conclusion, the generals have the blessing of the international community, we better get used to it.

[JoeLing]

Quote

It is unbelievable that the junta continues to use illegitimate tactics on the eve of a promised election . . . . .

 

No worries, many more "eves" to come ?

[Media1]

There is no threat to security because your a ilegal government that refuses to allow the country to vote you out. Put you back in barracks and tear up your 20 year robbery. Include high treason to the constitution and start from scratch with you dodgy election system. Westerniz the country bring it into the 21st century. Oh we dont need Jacky Ma for that. Thai people free and happy can do on there own.

You are the virus eating away at humanity. 

[connda]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

People can also be interrogated without access to a lawyer under the same decree, which represents a mockery of democratic principles.

Go figure, but the Ultimate Democracy of the Most Indispensable Nation - the United States - has the exact same degree called the National Defense Authorization Act.  Given that the US and her allies in the so-called "Free World" of "Democracies" have laws on the books allowing for the indefinite detention of their citizens ----- well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that third-world and developing nations will take their lead and use any excuse to suppress any form of expression that threatens the leadership's grip on hegemonic control of the levers of power. 
And it's not just Thailand.  True Freedom and Liberty are ideals that simply don't work for those who need to rule with an iron fist and with authoritarian control.  True Freedom and Liberty exist almost nowhere on this planet except in the mealy-mouthed, pablum that is regurgitated up by world leaders who speak in lofty tones but who repress their populations of citizens when Freedom and Liberty threatens to upset the ruling class' governing vision of a properly, ordered society, i.e.,m consuming clones who don't question authority. 

So the US has laws on the books allowing the detention without a lawyer or a trial of those labeled as 'belligerents.'
So Thailand simple takes the 'Indispensable Nation's' lead and does the same. 
Who in the "Free World" of "Democracies" legitimately can complain? 

[Srikcir]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

she had in her possession T-shirts bearing an insignia that it claims to belong to some obscure insurrectionist group.

Not to just any insurrectionist group but to a Muslim insurgency.

Would this arrest had happened if it was a Buddhist Thai-ethnic citizen?

 

On a positive note (if there can ever be such from a rogue state), the arrest may damage a new southern party The Prachachart Party led by a Muslim politician that said it is open to supporting the return of junta leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha after elections slated for next year. Najmudi , a former Pheu Thai MP for Narathiwat province, said that if Prayut’s returns as PM by respecting the rules of the junta-designed constitution, the party may support his candidacy.

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2018/09/11/muslim-political-blocs-new-party-open-to-backing-prayuth/

May become a harder sell by The Prachachart Party to southern Muslims.

 

 

 

[thaiguzzi]

Decent editorial.

There's always one...

I see a "sad emoji" comment.

C'mon Steven 100, tell us your thoughts on why you think this woman deserves to be locked up...

[BigT73]

So basically pornswan got a great deal for a box of tshirts at 10bht a piece, she thought she could make a quick buck and ends up in jail. What some tshirts here read you would think half the population is the police.

[cookieqw]

4 hours ago, Cadbury said:

Deputy PM Prawit presently seems to being going through some aging mental crisis. This example of gross paranoia follows on the heals of his claim that Koh Tao is an island of peace, safety and and tranquility and that there is no mafia violence and t]he local police are as pure as the driven snow. 

As further evidence of his fragile condition he has just announced he has returned his borrowed watches to a dead person.

Perhaps a period of convalescence and rest in an appropriate sanitarium would be a good thing for this unfortunate man.

 

um,  returned them to a person who he couldn't remember the name of ???

[Jonmarleesco]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

It is unbelievable that the junta continues to use illegitimate tactics 

It's a junta. And Prawit? Well, he's Prawit, the second syllable saying all there is to say.

[holy cow cm]

Interesting article. It is actually against the self elected government junta. Surprised they are not arrested as of yet. Or does it need to be written and printed in Thai to make them swarm.

[CantSpell]

T Shirt with a logo of a book and a sandwich maybe...

 

Definitely a threat to national security.... 

[orchidfan]

42 minutes ago, connda said:

Go figure, but the Ultimate Democracy of the Most Indispensable Nation - the United States - has the exact same degree called the National Defense Authorization Act.  Given that the US and her allies in the so-called "Free World" of "Democracies" have laws on the books allowing for the indefinite detention of their citizens ----- well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that third-world and developing nations will take their lead and use any excuse to suppress any form of expression that threatens the leadership's grip on hegemonic control of the levers of power. 
And it's not just Thailand.  True Freedom and Liberty are ideals that simply don't work for those who need to rule with an iron fist and with authoritarian control.  True Freedom and Liberty exist almost nowhere on this planet except in the mealy-mouthed, pablum that is regurgitated up by world leaders who speak in lofty tones but who repress their populations of citizens when Freedom and Liberty threatens to upset the ruling class' governing vision of a properly, ordered society, i.e.,m consuming clones who don't question authority. 

So the US has laws on the books allowing the detention without a lawyer or a trial of those labeled as 'belligerents.'
So Thailand simple takes the 'Indispensable Nation's' lead and does the same. 
Who in the "Free World" of "Democracies" legitimately can complain? 

And don't forget Malaysia 's ISA . .Internal Security Act..placed there by the British during their colonial rule..and never removed.

[NoshowJones]

3 hours ago, Hayduke said:

 

People often have governments they may not want…

 

People often have governments they may not like…

 

But unfortunately, people almost always have the governments they deserve.

 

Thailand is no exception.

 

I see where you are coming from, but what can the ordinary Thai person do about a government which elected itself?

[NoshowJones]

33 minutes ago, Jonmarleesco said:

It's a junta. And Prawit? Well, he's Prawit, the second syllable saying all there is to say.

Prawit? More like Halfwit.

[GarryP]

Southampton FC better watch out if they ever come here to play. They'd all be arrested except the goalie. 

[GarryP]

Perhaps the silver lining to this cloud of repression is that the more the Junta uses its heavy handed tactics, the more people start to hate them. 

 

I know there have been bad governments in the past, but I never felt the loathing towards them that I feel towards this bunch (and I have been here since Prem Tinsulananda was Prime Minister). I want to see the power hungry generals brought down and removed. They are taking this country backwards.  

[robblok]

10 minutes ago, GarryP said:

Perhaps the silver lining to this cloud of repression is that the more the Junta uses its heavy handed tactics, the more people start to hate them. 

 

I know there have been bad governments in the past, but I never felt the loathing towards them that I feel towards this bunch (and I have been here since Prem Tinsulananda was Prime Minister). I want to see the power hungry generals brought down and removed. They are taking this country backwards.  

This action is really over the top, I agree 100%. The junta should be removed but i doubt we will see the next government even if PTP change any laws to give the public more freedom. I have yet to see a government in Thailand give up power they can use against their political enemies.

[JAG]

2 hours ago, cookieqw said:

um,  returned them to a person who he couldn't remember the name of ???

Well the bloke had been dead for quite a while - so not a surprise that he forgot his name...

 

Anyway, being unable to even plausibly explain incredible wealth is nothing compared to selling treasonous tee shirts...

[robblok]

So much worries about a few T-shirts.. junta over reacts. Just be happy things like this will not help their popularity one bit. The more they act like this the less chance they have to stay in power.