Thai PM says all laws to be used against protesters

 

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks on Thai Television pool in Bangkok, Thailand, October 21, 2020. Thailand Government House/Handout via REUTERS

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Thursday that all laws would be used against protesters who have demanded his removal, a new constitution and reforms to the monarchy of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

 

The announcement came in a statement a day after thousands of protesters threw paint at Thai police headquaters in what they said was a response to the police use of water cannon and teargas that hurt dozens on Tuesday.

 

"The situation is not improving at there is a risk of escalation to more violence. If not addressed, it could damage the country and the beloved monarchy," Prayuth said in a statement.

 

"The government will intensify its actions and use all laws, all articles, to take action against protesters who broke the law."

 

It did not specify whether this included Article 112, which forbids insulting the monarchy. Prayuth said earlier this year that it was not being used for the moment at the request of the king.

 

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng; Writing by Matthew Tostevin)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-11-19

 

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PM unleashes ‘full force of law’ on escalating protests

By The Nation

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday warned that security agencies will use “all relevant laws” against escalating anti-establishment protests.

 

His announcement came after pro-democracy protesters besieged Parliament on Tuesday only to be met by police water cannon and tear gas. The protesters are calling for General Prayut’s removal and reform of the monarchy.

 

Prayut said the government and all parties had jointly sought peaceful and legal solutions to the political crisis, but tensions still showed no sign of easing.

 

Security agencies had followed standard procedure to maintain peace and order. However, the situation had not improved but instead escalated towards violence. If the crisis continued to deepen, it could undermine the national interest and revered institutions as well as the safety of people and property, he said.

 

The government and security agencies would therefore step up enforcement of all relevant laws to handle demonstrators who act illegally and fail to respect other people's rights and liberty, said Prayut. Authorities would prosecute all cases according to judicial norms and international standards, he added.

 

Thousands of protesters returned to the streets on Wednesday, surrounding Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok and daubing its walls with paint in protest at the crackdown on Tuesday.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30398223

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-11-19

 

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PM says protests affect national image

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister says there is currently no need to impose special laws to control the situation, while admitting that the protests have affected confidence in the country and its stability.

 

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that he has been discussing ways to ensure the safety of protestors and fairness to all political sides, while stressing that the protestors must obey the law.

 

He said responses by the authorities to protests must be planned very carefully, while urging the protestors to inform the police in advance about their protest, and refrain from violence.

 

Gen Prayut said the authorities have to intensify law enforcement to prevent violence, as there have been more attempts to create chaos, while pointing that there is clear evidence from yesterday’s protest, including the use of weapons.

 

He said the police are gathering evidence, and have asked the public to understand their duties, adding that the officers have so far taken a soft approach.

 

The Prime Minister has accepted that the current situation affects national stability and confidence in trade and investment, during a time when the country needs to restore its economic stability.

 

He has asked the protestors to think of all people of the nation, whose jobs and incomes might be affected.

 

Regarding the call for constitutional amendments, which is one of the protestors’ demands, the Prime Minister said action on this topic falls within the responsibility of the parliament.

 

He said the government is willing to support constitutional amendments according to parliamentary resolution, adding that the government and he have no power to issue orders on this matter.

 

On other demands by the anti-government protesters for him to resign and for reform of the monarchy, Gen Prayut said the feasability of these demands must be considered, with various aspects considered.

 

He said he is not in conflict with any side, while adding that the demands also depend on all people of the country.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2020-11-20

 

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