Army chief says amendment just to modernise military courts
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Army Chief General Udomdej Sitabutr yesterday reassured the public that the amendment to the jurisdiction of the military courts aimed only to modernise military legal procedures and it would not lead to basic human rights being violated.

The National Assembly Legislative Assembly passed the first reading of the amendment, which Human Rights Watch warned would give too much power to the military courts.

The amendment would authorise the military to detain civilians for up to 84 days compared to the current seven days.

Currently, however, the seven-day detention period can be reapplied for a period of up to 90 days.

Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said the government was trying to give the military unchecked authority to detain civilians.

He said Thai lawmakers should reject this military power grab that would put all citizens at risk of prolonged detention without charge.

But Udomdej, who is also Deputy Defence Minister, said the increased power would be directed only at soldiers.

The amendment also adds more jurisdiction detail clarity, said Udomdej, adding that there was a necessity to amend several Army regulations since some dated back to 1947.

He said he hoped Human Right Watch better understood the issue after receiving an Army explanation.

Meanwhile, he said the arrest of anti-coup movement members on Saturday was in accordance with the law.

"There had already been warnings calling for those people to halt any activity that would breach the law," he said, adding that several forums had been established for the public to air opinions.

The National Legislative Assembly will examine the proposed amendment on Thursday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Army-chief-says-amendment-just-to-modernise-milita-30254234.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-17

How many times must the farangs need to have thainess explained to them ?? Attitude adjustments in 3.. 2... 1...

How many Western Expats in their country of origin have this system within the legal system, we all hear from time to time of court martial, but this is more the totalitarian style of legal mumbo jumbo , whilst Thailand has this and other repressive style of government regulations and wont come up to world standards because it doesn't suit their purpose , Thailand will always remain a laughing stock in some area's and a backwater.

With a lot of courage, the next elected government should reduce the power of the military.........

As in any normal society, the military should be controlled by the Government via the Defence Ministry......not the generals!

When real, true, human rights activists, like the people from Amnesty International for instance, take up a case, it can make a difference, worldwide, but when instead disguised businesses (ab-)using human rights as the product they market to generate profit out of, à la 'Human Rights Watch', employing trained agitators they call 'experts', like a Brad Adams, to blow up any, every, little thing they can out of proportion, it rather, sadly, has an adverse effect on the good cause...

I still don't understand why the Thai authorithies have never put a minimum of time and energy in exposing the truth about HRW, how it was born (...a 'special' American 'organisation'?), who were/are its main sponsors (is G. Soros a maecenas f.i.?), who have been/are leading the structure (why some idealists were chased away), what is done with the money they get (the books are quite 'creative'), who is getting paid how much (salary + 'expenses' a.s.o...), it could light the fuse to a powder keg able to blow these parasites to the moon, and open up the slavish media for the many really dramatic human rights issues, to be brought by human rights' unpaid/voluntary contributors who are now more at risk, as an additional adverse factor, because of all the space grabbed by HRW, as they are forced to stay in the dangerous shade, not being able to get the (little) protection bright media exposure is nowadays granting...! And re-direct large funds many a mistaken government is at the time pouring into this fake NGO instead of subsidising real good causes (one example of how money is wasted to HRW I could give, in my home country alas, but too long to describe here, is for crying out loud)!

Edited February 17, 201511 yr by bangrak

"The amendment would authorise the military to detain civilians for up to 84 days compared to the current seven days."

Just a little "modernizing" folks. Nothing to worry about.

Sounds like they are expecting the military courts to be subject to high demand and growth.

Edited February 17, 201511 yr by Reigntax

"He said he hoped Human Right Watch better understood the issue after receiving an Army explanation"

HRW needs to understand that the Thai military:

- can be trusted, never to deceive or lie

- has always respected the Thai constitution(s)

- respects the election of government officials

- respects the civil liberties and rights of the Thai people

- accepts legal accountability for all its actions

How many times does the Chief of NCPO General Prayuth must tell people that he will not abuse his self-granted absolute power over the Thais people? Howmany times must he plead that he is not a dictator and cannot just order people around.

Yes, I do hope the HRW does understand what is happening in Thailand.