Rights panel calls on NLA to review public gatherings bill

[webfact]

Rights panel calls on NLA to review public gatherings bill
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday called on the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to review the bill on public gatherings as the draft is deemed to be in violation of international practices of human rights and freedom.

The NHRC met on January 19 and resolved to present its recommendations to the NLA. The changes are:

Identify managers of public gatherings, not those who invite or call people to join the gatherings;

People should not be required to seek permission before holding a public gathering because it is against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Thailand is a signatory;

Ministers should not be allowed to work beyond their power in restricting locations where public gatherings can be held;

It is not suitable to fix hours at which public gatherings can be held;

State officials should not be allowed to ban public gatherings if written notification is not submitted more than 24 hours in advance as required;

Officials should only be allowed to cancel gatherings that affect national security;

State officials should not be empowered to search, freeze assets or dismantle properties;

State officials dealing with public gatherings must not carry arms;

Offenders cannot be tried in criminal court and cases should be filed according to type and nature of cases.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Rights-panel-calls-on-NLA-to-review-public-gatheri-30255677.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-10

[chooka]

Hear where you re comming from NHRC but the junta owns the country now and to hell with human rights, they interference with power and total control.

[96tehtarp]

Although I agree with Human Rights and abhor martial law most people in Thailand, both farang and Thai, hope to never see "The Mobs" again... of either colour.

The new "public gatherings bill is probably unnecessary as the problem of "The Mobs" is covered already by preexisting laws which went unenforced.

[wabothai]

Good!

No gatherings = no worthwhile elections = making Thailands problems worse = coup = no gatherings = etc.

Keep going mr. general.

[lildragon]

Oh but you can have public gatherings! Yes if your name is Buddha isara and you're a pdrc lackey then it's ok to have one go get an investigation against an organization under way, oh but people in that organization CAN NOT counter protest. That's a naughty no no.

Also, if the US say some home truths against the ruling junta then you CAN protest outside their embassy. But don't go protesting asking for elections now, you'll get adjusted for that.

So you can protest. As long As it fits the juntas agenda.

Edited March 10, 2015 by lildragon

[than]

No country in the world respect the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights..... look example in western country, permission seeking for rally is in forces in country like France or Germany....

In western country court can ban rally and law give more power to security forces to dislodge protester and arrest them......

Thai history show that when gorvenement let protester make what they want, country turn to chaos and unrest. It's time to have law who really protect citizen against protester dictatorship

[Srikcir]

If this public gatherings bill remains as is and becomes law, there is not much the Thai NHRC can do about it. The public gatherings bill by itself wouldn't reach the level of a violation of International Human Rights wherein the nation could be referred to the International Criminal Courtfor trial and judgement. Thailand certainly would receive a letter of UN criticism but they cannot lead to any judicial actions.

The NLA can simply respond that it appreciates the NHRC review and pass the bill. After the Junta constitution has been passed, the NHRC will essentially cease to exist as an independent organization and any of its future comments will be irrelevant, assuming it is allowed to issue any reviews.