Cabinet revised Internal Security Operations Command Act

[bkkandrew]

A further two points...

1. A number of us (including Mid and myself) have been mocked when attempting to put forward the possiblility of a Burma-style situation being the eventual aim of the Junta, or some in the Junta. This current development seems to suggest that we are, perhaps, more on the mark than the mockers...

2. It will really warm up in 4-weeks with the start of the 2nd national religion - premiership football. Mr T pontificating and grinning on the telly every week. I wonder if they have thought that one through?

[VegasVic]

A further two points...

1. A number of us (including Mid and myself) have been mocked when attempting to put forward the possiblility of a Burma-style situation being the eventual aim of the Junta, or some in the Junta. This current development seems to suggest that we are, perhaps, more on the mark than the mockers...

2. It will really warm up in 4-weeks with the start of the 2nd national religion - premiership football. Mr T pontificating and grinning on the telly every week. I wonder if they have thought that one through?

I am sorry to hear that you and Mid have been mocked on this issue, as many of us outside the country have seen this coming for some time now, just as we see the continued strengthening of the baht to be a very negative situation for Thailand and its economy in the long run. Mr. Shinawatra is indeed the single largest benefactor of these latest events and who knows, perhaps he will return as "Taksin the great"!

[Jai Dee]

Deputy CNS Chairman affirms ISOC Act not meant to perpetuate CNS's power

The Deputy Chairman of the Council for National Security affirms that the Internal Security Operations Command Act is not meant to perpetuate the influence of the CNS.

Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุข), in his capacity as Deputy Chairman of the Council for National Security, reported on the incident in which opposition to the Internal Security Operations Command Act accused the Act as an attempt to perpetuate the power of the Council for National Security.

ACM Chalit said that the Act is subjected to further revision and final approval would rest with the National Legislative Assembly. The Deputy CNA Chairman affirms the act is not meant to perpetuate the power of the Council for National Security in any way. ACM Chalit affirms that Act will support peace, stability, and development in the nation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Army Chief indicates abuse of power by officials considered serious offence

The Army Chief and CNS Chairman indicates that if state officials abuse their power, it would be considered a serious offence under the Internal Security Act.

Following many objections in regards to the Internal Security Act, the Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin reveals that developed countrie such as the United States, England, Singapore, and Malaysia are reinforcing the internal security law. He views that Thailand will be set as a good example to the rests of the world as Thailand is set on the right direction to counter coppruotion within state agencies.

In response to the claim by Human Rights Committee that the Act would give an upper hand to Army officials in the abuse of power, Mr Sonthi says people and state officers must clearly recognize their responsibilities and duties, adding that state officials will be penalized two times more than people in genral. Gen.Sonthi further says the role of a Prime Minister is supervise the overall aspects of the adminsitration Army Chief or the Internal Security Operations Command Director will lay out the operation plans. In addition the Prime Minister could also dismiss the Army Commander if the latter is found to have abused his power.

The Army Commander in Chief however refused to talk about this future in politics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2007

[Mid]

Following many objections in regards to the Internal Security Act, the Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin reveals that developed countrie such as the United States, England, Singapore, and Malaysia are reinforcing the internal security law.

nothing quite like making the world a safer place ........................................

[Jai Dee]

ISOC Secretary confident Internal Security Act will benefit the public

Secretary of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Gen.Montri Sangkhasap (มนตรี สังขทรัพย์) affirms that the Internal Security Act will do more good than bad to the general public and it does not overlap with laws of the National Security Council (NSC).

The ISOC secretary says the Act was drafted to prevent new kinds of threat to the national security and facilitate security officials in their operation. He also affirms the Act does not violate people’s rights and liberties and the government welcome opinions and comments from all sides.

Meanwhile, ISOC Director Anusit Khunakorn (อนุสิษฐ คุณากร) says the Act is necessary for the current situation of the country as it can prevent actions which are considered as a threat to the national security.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

NLA requests Internal Security Act drafters to think of appropriateness as first priority

Chairman of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Meechai Ruchuphan (มีชัย ฤชุพันธ์) has requested those who draft the Internal Security Act to think of the appropriateness as priority.

Mr. Meechai says he has never considered the details of the Internal Security Act, adding that he has learned the matter from the media. He says he has not followed up on the matter as it must be proposed to the Council of the State for Consideration. Then, the Act will be submitted to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

However, Mr. Meechai has warned those who draft the Internal Security Act to be careful while drafting as some foreign countries does not understand and view that the Act will limit people’s right and liberty.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2007

[LaoPo]

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2007

These chaps must be doing overtime...

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Army Chief indicates abuse of power by officials considered serious offence

The Army Chief and CNS Chairman indicates that if state officials abuse their power, it would be considered a serious offence under the Internal Security Act.

Following many objections in regards to the Internal Security Act, the Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin reveals that developed countrie such as the United States, England, Singapore, and Malaysia are reinforcing the internal security law. He views that Thailand will be set as a good example to the rests of the world as Thailand is set on the right direction to counter coppruotion within state agencies.

In response to the claim by Human Rights Committee that the Act would give an upper hand to Army officials in the abuse of power, Mr Sonthi says people and state officers must clearly recognize their responsibilities and duties, adding that state officials will be penalized two times more than people in genral. Gen.Sonthi further says the role of a Prime Minister is supervise the overall aspects of the adminsitration Army Chief or the Internal Security Operations Command Director will lay out the operation plans.

In addition the Prime Minister could also dismiss the Army Commander if the latter is found to have abused his power.

The Army Commander in Chief however refused to talk about this future in politics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2007

We better believe him...? How come I don't ?

LaoPo

[bkkandrew]

Army Chief indicates abuse of power by officials considered serious offence

the Prime Minister could also dismiss the Army Commander if the latter is found to have abused his power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2007

'''And then, once ignored, he will proceed to the car lot to drive his Prime Ministerial car into the nearest tank...

Edited July 16, 2007 by bkkandrew

[Siripon]

A further two points...

1. A number of us (including Mid and myself) have been mocked when attempting to put forward the possiblility of a Burma-style situation being the eventual aim of the Junta, or some in the Junta. This current development seems to suggest that we are, perhaps, more on the mark than the mockers...

2. It will really warm up in 4-weeks with the start of the 2nd national religion - premiership football. Mr T pontificating and grinning on the telly every week. I wonder if they have thought that one through?

So what are you going to say, when after the referendum on the constitution next month, a constitution that offers several checks and balances on abuse of power, there is an election date proposed? The majority of TRT MPs were not banned and those who were can get their relatives to run.

If you think Man City will be on the telly every week you either know nothing about football or are a hopelessly optimistic fan of Man City.

Thaksin pontificating about football? He couldn't tell his right wing (Purachai) from his left wing(Pansak).

[bkkandrew]

A further two points...

1. A number of us (including Mid and myself) have been mocked when attempting to put forward the possiblility of a Burma-style situation being the eventual aim of the Junta, or some in the Junta. This current development seems to suggest that we are, perhaps, more on the mark than the mockers...

2. It will really warm up in 4-weeks with the start of the 2nd national religion - premiership football. Mr T pontificating and grinning on the telly every week. I wonder if they have thought that one through?

So what are you going to say, when after the referendum on the constitution next month, a constitution that offers several checks and balances on abuse of power, there is an election date proposed? The majority of TRT MPs were not banned and those who were can get their relatives to run.

If you think Man City will be on the telly every week you either know nothing about football or are a hopelessly optimistic fan of Man City.

Thaksin pontificating about football? He couldn't tell his right wing (Purachai) from his left wing(Pansak).

Since when has Toxin's lack of knowledge on a subject been a bar to him pontificating on it?

All premiership matches are televised on UBC in Thailand...

[Jai Dee]

NESAC Chairman concerned over Internal Security Act

The Chairman of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) suggests the government to analyze the situation carefully and consider whether the Internal Security Act is really necessary before deciding to endorse it.

NESAC Chairman Khothom Areeya (โคทม อารียา) says if looking at the bright side, the Act has a capacity to increase security in the country by preventing threats to the national security before they take place.

However, the Act gives too much power to the director of the Internal Security Operations Command and the general public might feel that their rights are violated when the Act takes effect.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Committee extablished to oversee Internal Security Act draft

Secretary of the Council of the State Porthip Jala (พรทิพย์ จาละ) reports that the Council is setting up a committee to oversee the drafting of the Internal Security Act.

The secretary says the committee will focus on the draft’s issues concerning people’s rights and liberty and the power of the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). As for the enforcement of the Emergency Decree with the Internal Security Act, the secretary says it takes place in some foreign countries and affirms the council is willing to take opinions from all sides concerning the matter.

The secretary also says that the interim government can postpone the endorsement Internal Security Act.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

PMs Office Minister says public hearing on security bill should be organized

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Mr. Thirapat Serirangsan, suggests that a public hearing on the national security bill should be held so all sides can contribute their ideas on this issue, and the bill would be more effective.

Mr. Thirapat says the Council of State is currently considering the draft bill on Thailand’s internal security. He says the academics’ ideas and arguments and the human rights issue will need to be fine-tuned in line with the present situation. Mr. Thirapat says people should not relate this bill with the constitution referendum since the bill concerns national security and terrorism, and therefore, it has to be deliberated cautiously.

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister insists that the government would like the National Legislative Assembly to consider the withdrawal of the Council of Democratic Reform (CDR)’s 15th announcement in three consecutive readings because the government wants the general election to be held fairly and justly.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2007

[jbowman1993]

It looks like they are doing the typical Thai government approach here. Announcing legislation, and then gauging public popularity with the said legislation. Since this ISOC bill has been roundly criticised by many different factions and groups, chances are it will die a quiet death "in committee", or recieve serious revision and be proposed again after the general election.

But by that time, the Democrats will be in power (coalition lead, no doubt) and will probably squash the "Patriot Act in Disquise"

[Plus]

Since when has Toxin's lack of knowledge on a subject been a bar to him pontificating on it?

That is true, but UBC has timely cancelled all ESPN football talk shows, there will be no place for Thaksin to ponitifcate.

All premiership matches are televised on UBC in Thailand...

Not all, maybe half of the games, and only two or three per week at a prime television time. Man City is a rare guest on UBC unless they play someone big.

[Jai Dee]

Govt to to quickly decide for either Internal Security Act or emergency decree

Secretary of the Council of the State Porthip Jala (พรทิพย์ จาละ) views that if the enforcement of the Internal Security Act is announced, the emergency decree should be withdrawn.

The Secretary discloses that the today’s Cabinet meeting did not touch on the Internal Security Act. According to the consideration, it finds that the details between the Internal Security Act and the emergency decree are quite similar. As a result, the government should decide which one should the administration resort to.

The Secretary remarks that all sectors should be allowed to express their opinions on the subject as the draft is related to people’s right and liberty.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2007

[Mid]

According to the consideration, it finds that the details between the Internal Security Act and the emergency decree are quite similar.

[Mid]

THAILAND: Opposition to tough security act growing

Last Updated 18/07/2007 8:19:20 PM

There is mounting opposition in Thailand to a new security law being proposed by the military government. Cabinet approved the Internal Security Act last month but it has yet to be sent to Parliament. The Act would give the army almost unlimited powers of arrest and detention, and the right to declare emergency rule without consulting the prime minister. With the debate hotting up, it's possible the bill might be revised, or even delayed until after general elections due to be held by January next year.

Presenter/Interviewer: Karon Snowdon

Speakers: Dr Pasuk Phonpaichit, Professor of Economics at Chulalongkorn University

radioaustralia.net.au

[Mid]

Opinion

Draft Internal Security Act

Unofficial translation by Chris Baker

The Internal Security Bill, approved in principle by the Cabinet and now under scrutiny by the Council of State, has following important points are:

nationmultimedia.com

[bkkandrew]

All premiership matches are televised on UBC in Thailand...

Not all, maybe half of the games, and only two or three per week at a prime television time. Man City is a rare guest on UBC unless they play someone big.

But an oft use line by the presenters is "every (Premiership) game live, or in full on delayed kick-off". Has been for the last 2 seasons...

[Jai Dee]

The Internal Security Act affirmed not to violate personal rights

Minister of Defence Gen. Boonrod Somthas (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) affirms that the Internal Security Act will not violate personal rights.

Gen. Boonrod admits that many sides, including foreigners, do not rely on the Internal Security Act as they fear that it will empower state authorities in managing matters. Officials have been urged to explain the purpose to issue the Internal Security Act to people. However, the Act might be amended in the future by appointing the Prime Minister as Chairman to maintain internal security.

Minister of Defence informs that if the Internal Security Act is enforced, the emergency decree and the martial law must be withdrawn.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 July 2007

[LaoPo]

The Secretary remarks that all sectors should be allowed to express their opinions on the subject as the draft is related to people’s right and liberty.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2007

Exactly.

LaoPo

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman supports ISOC suggestion from academics

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), agrees with the academics’ suggestion for Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) to head the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). The academics have also suggested for the ISOC to be upgraded into a bureau.

Gen. Sonthi says they are good suggestions even though they will lower the authority of the Royal Thai Army in using the national security bill. However, he says he is ready to accept them, but the proposals could not be carried out during this interim government yet.

The CNS Chairman says he will decide whether or not he will enter the Thai political arena following his retirement from civil service.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman agrees with proposal to allow PM to function as ISOC Director

The Chairman of the Council for National Security supports proposals which will allow the Prime Minister to act as the Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (รักษาความมั่นคงภายใน).

Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) agreed with proposals from academics which called for the Prime Minister to be appointed as the Director of the Internal Security Operations Command. The motion will elevate ISOC to become a bureau level agency. Gen Sonthi said that the proposal had merit, though the current administration would not be capable of implementing it due to limited timeframe. He called on the next administration to consider the proposal.

Gen Sonthi expressed his belief that a hacker's attack on the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's homepage yesterday was for entertainment purposes. The CNS Chairman added that he would make a clear decision on whether or not to pursue a political career after his retirement.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 July 2007

[Mid]

CNS Chairman agrees with proposal to allow PM to function as ISOC Director

The CNS Chairman added that he would make a clear decision on whether or not to pursue a political career after his retirement.

[Mid]

Gen Sonthi expressed his belief that a hacker's attack on the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's homepage yesterday was for entertainment purposes.

on this Dear Sir , we agree

unlike some of your subordinates who claim threat to National Security ...........................

[Mid]

The Fateful Knock: Internal Security Act and its Threat to Human Rights in Southeast Asia

Michael Cheng

20 July 2007

"The fateful knock came in the middle of the night, bringing me into a life without light.

They took me away from my family. They threw away my rights and my dignity."

The draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) has long been used by governments to stifle peaceful political dissent. One of the more unfortunate legacies from British times, it is still in use in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Reginald Hugh Hickling (who died earlier this year), the British lawyer who first drafted the ISA, wrote in 1989, "I could not imagine then that the time would come when the power of detention... would be used against political opponents, welfare workers and others dedicated to nonviolent, peaceful activities.

Michael Cheng is the Deputy Secretary of Think Centre, an NGO in Singapore that aims to critically examine issues related to political development, democracy, rule of law, human rights and civil society. Think Centre's activities include research, publishing, organizing events and networking. Think Centre is also a member of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA).

[Jai Dee]

PM opens all ears to hear comments concerning Internal Security Act draft

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is willing to hear all comments on the Internal Security Act draft.

Minister of Defence Gen Boonrod Somthas (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) claims that the Prime Minister should be the person given the supreme authority following the Internal Security Act draft.

At the same time, the premier has expressed willingness to adjust both of the Internal Security Act draft and the Royal Thai Police Act draft in line with consensus of the majority of the people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 July 2007