1 year after the coup: People's rights severely curtailed over the past year

[webfact]

1 YEAR AFTER THE COUP
People's rights severely curtailed over the past year
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CITIZENS' civil and political rights have suffered severely over the past 12 months since the May 22 coup, and there are no signs of things improving in the foreseeable future, human-rights experts and activists have said.

Indeed, some have warned that Thais might become so used to their rights and liberty being curbed under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), that they start seeing it as normal.

"Human rights in all aspects have been in a free-fall since the coup and there is no hope for improvement," Sunai Phasuk, Thailand's senior researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said.

Sunai added that though martial law has been lifted, it has really only shifted to Article 44 from the interim charter, which gives NCPO chief and Premier General Prayut Chan-o-cha absolute power "to rule at whim with impunity" and restrict all fundamental rights, including press freedom and freedom of association.

He said no dissent or criticism of the junta is tolerated by the NCPO.

"Nobody is allowed to disagree with the junta's roadmap. Political participation is not allowed and political leaders are told that they cannot hold meetings," he said, claiming the process of drafting the new charter and the return to democracy was a "total sham".

"How can we hold free and fair elections?" he asked.

Another key point he raised was the trying of civilians in military courts. He said these were not fair and did not meet international standards.

Yingcheep Atchanont, manager at iLaw, an NGO that specialises in legal reform and human rights, said Thailand had been in a fairly critical situation over the past 12 months in regard to the violation of human rights.

According to iLaw, at the end of April, 751 people had been summoned by the NCPO, with 159 politically charged, 124 being tried at military courts, and 45 being tried for lese majeste offences.

"Another indicator is the shutting down of the red-shirt television channel," Yincheep said in reference to Peace TV.

While he found the figures disturbing, he also said there was a high risk of people becoming used to having their rights and liberty curtailed.

"There may be fewer arrests and searches conducted, but Article 44 can still be used and freedom of expression will definitely not improve," he predicted.

High-profile Red Sunday Group leader Sombat Boonngam-anong is among those being tried in military court for voicing opposition to the coup. He said people must remind themselves that they're living under a regime that came from a putsch, so people's rights and liberties were at stake.

As for the future, he also wondered how a free and fair election could be held when politicians are still being banned from holding meetings.

"They think this 'peace' is stability, but they don't give any importance to liberty. Perhaps we will have to wait," Sombat said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Peoples-rights-severely-curtailed-over-the-past-ye-30260507.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-20

[Oziex1]

Civil rights and Military governments are a rare mix.

[NickJ]

Free???????

[yellowboat]

"Indeed, some have warned that Thais might become so used to their rights and liberty being curbed under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), that they start seeing it as normal."

It seems like it is an excepted fact and is the norm. Most Thais seem too afraid to talk about it, or they just do not care.

A corrupt or inept prime minister is better than an all powerful, completely above the law Junta any day.

Still cannot phathom westerners who supported this coup.

[DM07]

No sh1t, Sherlock!?

[dageurreotype]

'Anyone seen Somchai lately?' 'No, last I heard he was being bundled into the back of an army jeep, but we can't ask questions about him can we'.

The reality of an unanswerable junta.

[mike324]

My sources tell me the dear general will be in office for another 2 years o so before we have election. Just hope it doesn't turn out to be another decade.

[Robby nz]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

[Srikcir]

Thais have become victims to Pavlov conditioning.

Thirteen military coups since 1933 with attendent forced changes in the constitutions has conditioned Thais to expect loss of their rights and liberties as part of governance.

[pedro01]

Life seems to be going on as normal for me and everyone I know.

[yellowboat]

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Immigration hassles ! A decision not to set up a business and employ good people, but increase work in China instead. China has made it far easier with visas than Thailand, and China is customer with deep pockets. Why bother with Thailand now anyway ? They have make themselves less desirable.

Have fun doing whatever you do what ever that is. It sounds terribly exciting or whatever.

[NongKhaiKid]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Lots of I's and My's in there, it didn't trouble you so that's all good.

It's not so bad now but after the coup there were road blocks around Udon Thani manned by terrified looking young squaddies from the basic training camp at the end of my soi. Driving to Khon Kaen averaged 3 police and or military checks although now it's back to the usual. police stops.

You are lucky " I never get stopped wherever I go " but you didn't have to sound so triumphant.

[Fat Haggis]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Go to the Paragon Mall, and sit outside with a sandwich reading "1984 " or " A Kingdom in crisis" and let us know what the food's like in your adjustment camp.

I think you're having a strawman argument, you are a farang, maybe with PR status, but the RTP or the RTA will only know that once you produce the proof, other than that, they will view you like any other farang within the Kingdom, and that is Persona Non Grata.

They're not interested in Farangs, go and get your wife to do the same thing and see who draws more attention.

[yellowboat]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Lots of I's and My's in there, it didn't trouble you so that's all good.

It's not so bad now but after the coup there were road blocks around Udon Thani manned by terrified looking young squaddies from the basic training camp at the end of my soi. Driving to Khon Kaen averaged 3 police and or military checks although now it's back to the usual. police stops.

You are lucky " I never get stopped wherever I go " but you didn't have to sound so triumphant.

These westerner who love this coup are a strange group of people. The all sound triumphant and feel might makes right.

[billd766]

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Immigration hassles ! A decision not to set up a business and employ good people, but increase work in China instead. China has made it far easier with visas than Thailand, and China is customer with deep pockets. Why bother with Thailand now anyway ? They have make themselves less desirable.

Have fun doing whatever you do what ever that is. It sounds terribly exciting or whatever.

What immigration hassles would those be? I haven't had any and neither has any of my friends out in rural Thailand have had any hassles. In the last year I haven't been stopped by any Army or Police patrols.

Somebody did report that we had a war weapon at the house last year and 2 truck loads of Police and another 2 from the Army came one morning with a search warrant. They were pleasant and polite and when they eventually discovered the "war weapon" they found that it was a BB gun and it was broken anyway.

They apologised and told my wife that they were acting on information received and would be talking to the informant in a "polite" way.

We gave them water to drink and had a laugh about it and they went off quite happily.

If people from outside want to set up a business in Thailand or China that would be up to them and if it were me I would look at the best place in the long term. If China can offer me better terms then I would go there. If Thailand can beat China I would start a business in Thailand.

[Fat Haggis]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Lots of I's and My's in there, it didn't trouble you so that's all good.

It's not so bad now but after the coup there were road blocks around Udon Thani manned by terrified looking young squaddies from the basic training camp at the end of my soi. Driving to Khon Kaen averaged 3 police and or military checks although now it's back to the usual. police stops.

You are lucky " I never get stopped wherever I go " but you didn't have to sound so triumphant.

I drove quite frequently from Korat to Bangkok, 2-3 times a month, pre coup and post coup, and the ONLY time I have ever seen the Army man checkpoints was at a Regional Command change area, between Saraburi, and Korat, on highway 2.

Nothing if I came over the mountains way, cant recall the route off hand, might be the 304? never seen the Army patrol inside Korat, or any of the outlying towns and villages either, only time I see(n) the cops in the village is at weddings and funeral parties.

The wife on the other hand last week was working at some project the army are setting up close by, and gets paid by them, something to do perhaps with building new stalls etc for a market area next to a lake, I have no idea, shes going to take me there this week.

I was never hindered pre coup, when it was the Shiniwatra's in charge, and haven't been hassled since the Junta took over, so it's really a moot point.

[NongKhaiKid]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Lots of I's and My's in there, it didn't trouble you so that's all good.

It's not so bad now but after the coup there were road blocks around Udon Thani manned by terrified looking young squaddies from the basic training camp at the end of my soi. Driving to Khon Kaen averaged 3 police and or military checks although now it's back to the usual. police stops.

You are lucky " I never get stopped wherever I go " but you didn't have to sound so triumphant.

I drove quite frequently from Korat to Bangkok, 2-3 times a month, pre coup and post coup, and the ONLY time I have ever seen the Army man checkpoints was at a Regional Command change area, between Saraburi, and Korat, on highway 2.

Nothing if I came over the mountains way, cant recall the route off hand, might be the 304? never seen the Army patrol inside Korat, or any of the outlying towns and villages either, only time I see(n) the cops in the village is at weddings and funeral parties.

The wife on the other hand last week was working at some project the army are setting up close by, and gets paid by them, something to do perhaps with building new stalls etc for a market area next to a lake, I have no idea, shes going to take me there this week.

I was never hindered pre coup, when it was the Shiniwatra's in charge, and haven't been hassled since the Junta took over, so it's really a moot point.

Route 304 is the mountain route Korat to Kabinburi and i have been stopped but not recently. Yes it is a moot point depending on where you live and the routes travelled so there's no rule of thumb, no universal application and those who don't get stopped by a police check are lucky but it's no indication it doesn't happen.

Edited May 20, 2015 by NongKhaiKid

[LannaGuy]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Examples of farangs or Thais (it's their country). Thais are not allowed to gather for peaceful protest isn't that a good enough example even for your muddled and biased mind?

[Robby nz]

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Immigration hassles ! A decision not to set up a business and employ good people, but increase work in China instead. China has made it far easier with visas than Thailand, and China is customer with deep pockets. Why bother with Thailand now anyway ? They have make themselves less desirable.

Have fun doing whatever you do what ever that is. It sounds terribly exciting or whatever.

I have no immigration hassles and don't see that it has been made any more difficult for anyone to get a visa in the last year.

Have fun in China you wont be missed.

[Robby nz]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Lots of I's and My's in there, it didn't trouble you so that's all good.

It's not so bad now but after the coup there were road blocks around Udon Thani manned by terrified looking young squaddies from the basic training camp at the end of my soi. Driving to Khon Kaen averaged 3 police and or military checks although now it's back to the usual. police stops.

You are lucky " I never get stopped wherever I go " but you didn't have to sound so triumphant.

These westerner who love this coup are a strange group of people. The all sound triumphant and feel might makes right.

Great how telling the truth means someone is a coup lover but I suppose those with so much hate in them they have to condemn everything must see anyone who doesnt agree with them as some sort of enemy.

[Robby nz]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Examples of farangs or Thais (it's their country). Thais are not allowed to gather for peaceful protest isn't that a good enough example even for your muddled and biased mind?

Good one, you are learning to insult with the other red supporters.

Not allowed to gather for political protest.

Come on with the examples of how your rights have been curtailed.

[LannaGuy]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Examples of farangs or Thais (it's their country). Thais are not allowed to gather for peaceful protest isn't that a good enough example even for your muddled and biased mind?

Good one, you are learning to insult with the other red supporters.

Not allowed to gather for political protest.

Come on with the examples of how your rights have been curtailed.

Not my rights Robby but Thai's rights please don't confuse the two (which is what I meant by your muddled mind). What would you say if NZ did the same? or Australia? France? or any other country? I hope you would be in uproar that more than 5 cannot, peacefully, gather.

[Beetlejuice]

Rights to do what? Seize airports, threaten to close down banks, cause economic chaos, mob takeovers of streets in Bangkok, declare certain areas as their territories, set fire to shopping malls, riot in the streets, bomb properties, mob lynch innocent people, threaten those who disagree with them with violence and bring the country into civil war, all under the umbrella of corrupt politicians and so-called leaders.

Thailand does not need the west`s human rights laws here and do gooders telling them how to morally run the country. I hope this present government remains in power forever, long may they reign.

Edited May 20, 2015 by Beetlejuice

[Fat Haggis]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Lots of I's and My's in there, it didn't trouble you so that's all good.

It's not so bad now but after the coup there were road blocks around Udon Thani manned by terrified looking young squaddies from the basic training camp at the end of my soi. Driving to Khon Kaen averaged 3 police and or military checks although now it's back to the usual. police stops.

You are lucky " I never get stopped wherever I go " but you didn't have to sound so triumphant.

These westerner who love this coup are a strange group of people. The all sound triumphant and feel might makes right.

Great how telling the truth means someone is a coup lover but I suppose those with so much hate in them they have to condemn everything must see anyone who doesnt agree with them as some sort of enemy.

As opposed to someone telling the truth about not liking the Junta, or all that they stand for is labelled a red shirt supporter Robby?

If only life was so simple, it is to many Junta supporters, as they have the "either you're with us, or against us" mentality.

There was a great article a few months back that put people into categories, when it came to supporting the junta, the longer people have lived here, I can see how they view things, but they're hardly in a position to make comparisons about democracies in their parent countries, if they've not lived there the majority of their lives.

I like to poke fun of them, and it should really be seen as just that, fun, jest,piss take and I call them the kool aid drinkers, or sheeple, which generally means they simply go with the flow, that's really their choice, we all do it from time to time, It sure doesn't mean I have zero respect for them, we are allowed a very good degree of freedom here with TVF, although I have overstepped the boundaries and been given "breaks" for letting myself get involved in silly arguments.

Unless we all have PR status, and a vote, the OP doesn't effect us in the slightest, it's business as usually in the farang world, where tinted glasses are the norm here, case in example,to compare and categorise anti Junta people as reds, is incorrect, there may well be some, but there are many who see well past both colours, to have a different perspective, I like to call it the Rangers/Celtic syndrome, as in if you come from Scotland, you must support either Rangers or Celtic right? Wrong... very wrong, there's other teams to support/favour rather than the two most popular choices

[yellowboat]

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Immigration hassles ! A decision not to set up a business and employ good people, but increase work in China instead. China has made it far easier with visas than Thailand, and China is customer with deep pockets. Why bother with Thailand now anyway ? They have make themselves less desirable.

Have fun doing whatever you do what ever that is. It sounds terribly exciting or whatever.

I have no immigration hassles and don't see that it has been made any more difficult for anyone to get a visa in the last year.

Have fun in China you wont be missed.

By you perhaps, but people who offer substantive employment, excellent work environments and competitive pay are missed unlike yourself I would venture. Something in short supply in the land of smiles. Have fun doddering around Thailand.

[yellowboat]

The activists, read stirrers, have had their so called rights, to make trouble, curbed but I haven't noticed any of my rights or freedom to go wherever I want or do what I want in this country effected, nor do I see anyone around me having any problems with going about their normal business or going where they want and doing what they want.

I don't get stopped by the military wherever I go, nor by the police and I have moved around the country quite a bit in the last year.

Perhaps those who post agreeing that their rights have been curtailed could give some personal examples.

Lots of I's and My's in there, it didn't trouble you so that's all good.

It's not so bad now but after the coup there were road blocks around Udon Thani manned by terrified looking young squaddies from the basic training camp at the end of my soi. Driving to Khon Kaen averaged 3 police and or military checks although now it's back to the usual. police stops.

You are lucky " I never get stopped wherever I go " but you didn't have to sound so triumphant.

These westerner who love this coup are a strange group of people. The all sound triumphant and feel might makes right.

Great how telling the truth means someone is a coup lover but I suppose those with so much hate in them they have to condemn everything must see anyone who doesnt agree with them as some sort of enemy.

If you stand for deposing elected governments, stifling free speech, article 44 (newer better martial law) and military government, that does make you less than desirable in some circles. If you are just a lout that does not really care about the world around him, then apologies and you are living in the right place.

[weegee]

If the Junta is fairing so bad...WHY? is it that they are supported by a great majority of the actual Thai People...

Prayut Chan-o-cha is still delivering the exact things he outlined in the beginning, that he would do....he may have had one hell of a learning curve...but he is delivering...IMO.

What ever happens in this country is not the business of anyone but the Thai People....WE, are nothing more than guests of the Kingdom,if you really think about it....

[Mr Somtam]

Life seems to be going on as normal for me and everyone I know.

Except for people who want to speak about politics...

[Fat Haggis]

If the Junta is fairing so bad...WHY? is it that they are supported by a great majority of the actual Thai People...

Prayut Chan-o-cha is still delivering the exact things he outlined in the beginning, that he would do....he may have had one hell of a learning curve...but he is delivering...IMO.

What ever happens in this country is not the business of anyone but the Thai People....WE, are nothing more than guests of the Kingdom,if you really think about it....

Who exactly said the the great majority of Thai people support the Junta? The Junta favoured Polls, where nobody is allowed to be critical?

The Polls also said the Tories wouldn't win the UK General election by the majority they did.. polls are tools designed to manipulate statistics to what you want them to to portray.

The PM may well be delivering "some" of the things he outlined, but he's gone back on his word over many others, and will go back on his word about remaining PM beyond next Spring.

[yellowboat]

If the Junta is fairing so bad...WHY? is it that they are supported by a great majority of the actual Thai People...

Prayut Chan-o-cha is still delivering the exact things he outlined in the beginning, that he would do....he may have had one hell of a learning curve...but he is delivering...IMO.

What ever happens in this country is not the business of anyone but the Thai People....WE, are nothing more than guests of the Kingdom,if you really think about it....

A junta shill. You are telling everyone in Thailand is okay with the deposing of an elected government ?

Delivering what ? Bicycle paths? Closing down radio stations ? Threatening reports who report on slaver fishing vessels ? Please enlighten us as to what is being delivered ?

We are paying guests. We have legal rights and should be treated fairly. What is your point about guests ?