Govt 'not a hardline dictatorship', says Paiboon, as freed students stay defiant

[webfact]

14 ANTI-COUP STUDENT ACTIVISTS
Govt 'not a hardline dictatorship', says Paiboon, as freed students stay defiant
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE JUNTA-installed regime under Prayut Chan-o-cha, which yesterday released 14 anti-coup student activists, was not a "hardline dictatorship", Justice Minister Paiboon Kumchaya said yesterday, noting his government had provided channels for the students to express their political opinions as they wished.

THE JUNTA-installed regime under Prayut Chan-o-cha, which yesterday released 14 anti-coup student activists, was not a "hardline dictatorship", Justice Minister Paiboon Kumchaya said yesterday, noting his government had provided channels for the students to express their political opinions as they wished.

The 14 activists held a meeting after their release and appeared uncompromising in pushing for democracy and freedom.

"That we are here does not signify the end of the struggle but a new step for the struggle," declared Rangsiman Rome, one of the 14, in front of the prison where they were detained for 12 days.

The student activists, who were detained for 12 days for violating the junta's order banning political gathering and Article 116 of the Criminal Code that forbids sedition, were freed from Bangkok Remand Prison and Central Correctional Hospital at dawn yesterday. Charges against them are still being pursued by police to be submitted to Military Court's attorney and they could each face a maximum imprisonment term of seven years.

Paiboon remarked after their release that the students should use other means in their campaign that would not break the laws, adding there were channels provided by the government but did not elaborate. Also, he said if the students continued to campaign flouting the law, the law would have to be enforced against them. Otherwise, the government would not be able to run the country.

Paiboon said although this government was not elected or democratic "but [it] is not a hardline dictatorship". He added that the government believed the issue could be solved through dialogue and asked the students to not resort to the same type of public campaign before they were arrested.

Police chief Pol General Somyot Poompanmuang said he did not want to believe that the student activists were backed by political groups for it would be slanderous. However, he said he accepted that the students might have been incited, adding that he did not know for sure if there were any international organisations involved or encouraging the students.

Somyot also said the students should think about the future and the country, which was moving forward. "Do not be fooled or be used by the international organisations or those backing [you]. They are not responsible for anything. They only use [you]," warned the police chief, adding that no special branch police will trail them but some officers from other state agencies will talk and forge a common understanding with them instead.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut refused to comment on the release of the activists, saying he was "tired of speaking" about it and that people should refer to what the Justice Minister had said.

The 14 student activists affirmed in front of the media that they would continue to fight for freedom and democracy shortly after they were released. "That we stand here is a testimony to our continued fight. We didn't want to seek bail because it would mean that we accept their rule. We are not guilty. So, we assert that we would continue to fight using civil disobedience," said Rangsiman, who is a member of the New Democracy Movement. The group also stood firm in its rejection of the use of a military court to try them.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Govt-not-a-hardline-dictatorship-says-Paiboon-as-f-30264068.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-09

[Somtamnication]

Irrespective of what others have commented on tv about these student's gpas and low grades, etc etc. What they did was valiant and I wish them good luck, but don't do anything more radical.

IQ and grades have nothing to do with wanting the right thing for their country.

[tx22cb]

So, do you know what "his Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Alhaji Dr. Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, CBE" said when he seized power in his 1971 coup?

A broadcast on Radio Uganda accused Obote's government of corruption and preferential treatment of the Lango region.

Amin announced that he was a soldier, not a politician, and that the military government would remain only as a caretaker regime until new elections, which would be announced when the situation was normalised. He promised to hold free and fair elections to return the country to democratic rule in the shortest period possible. (Wiki)

Eerily familiar? Praise the Lord that our PM is "Prayut the Merciful".

Edited July 9, 2015 by tx22cb

[LannaGuy]

doesn't the comment 'not a hard-line dictatorship' at least indicate they accept they ARE a dictatorship?

just a discussion of how 'hard'?

[oneday]

"...THE JUNTA-installed regime under Prayut Chan-o-cha...was not a "hardline dictatorship..."

True, but stepping closer and closer every day.

"...adding there were channels provided by the government but did not elaborate..."

Which makes his statement totally worthless and empty.

"...adding that he did not know for sure if there were any international organisations involved or encouraging the students..."

Delusional paranoia.

"...Somyot also said the students should think about the future and the country,.."

Oh Mr. Somyot, they are, they are...

[ggt]

Do tell...there...they have admitted that the Thai government is in fact a...dictatorship...

The gloves are off now buddy...

[bamnutsak]

Charges against them are still being pursued by police to be submitted to Military Court's attorney and they could each face a maximum imprisonment term of seven years.

Tried in a Military Court? Why?

Why were they held for twelve days? No bail hearing? And why were they suddenly released?

And they face (at least) two charges, so is this maximum sentence per charge? Or in total?

It seems like this "non-hardline d-ship" is winging it with regards to the legal/justice system.

Edited July 9, 2015 by bamnutsak

[smokie36]

Students protesting is a sign of a healthy country...just don't start shooting them again!

[h90]

doesn't the comment 'not a hard-line dictatorship' at least indicate they accept they ARE a dictatorship?

just a discussion of how 'hard'?

Of course if you seize power with a coup you are a dictatorship. The same counts for absolute monarchies (Saudi Arabia is the only one I know).

But that is an academic question, how you call it. The important thing is that they do a good work in compare to all pseudo democratic governments before.

[tbthailand]

junta in denial... anyone know a good military shrink?

BTW, the students are not "freed", AFAIK, they are still facing a military court.

[toybits]

HE JUNTA-installed regime under Prayut Chan-o-cha, which yesterday released 14 anti-coup student activists, was not a "hardline dictatorship", Justice Minister Paiboon Kumchaya said yesterday, noting his government had provided channels for the students to express their political opinions as they wished.

This caught my eye... So what is it then, a softy DICTATORSHIP?

[bamnutsak]

HE JUNTA-installed regime under Prayut Chan-o-cha, which yesterday released 14 anti-coup student activists, was not a "hardline dictatorship", Justice Minister Paiboon Kumchaya said yesterday, noting his government had provided channels for the students to express their political opinions as they wished.

This caught my eye... So what is it then, a softy DICTATORSHIP?

A benevolent d-ship?

A reluctant d-ship?

[FangFerang]

Irrespective of what others have commented on tv about these student's gpas and low grades, etc etc. What they did was valiant and I wish them good luck, but don't do anything more radical.

IQ and grades have nothing to do with wanting the right thing for their country.

Well said!

It is a bit strange their heads were shaved since each one was in a cell to themselves........

Edited July 9, 2015 by FangFerang

[wabothai]

Mr. general Somyot should choose his words more careful about "international organisations" being involved.

[HerbalEd]

Thai Govt - your friendly dictatorship

These students were not taken away from their homes in the middle of the night and disappeared ... or were found a few days later battered and dead with their throats cut. That sort of dictatorship is far far more "un-friendly' than Thailand's.

If you ever had to live under such a terrible dictatorship in constant fear, you'd welcome Thailand's present government with open arms.

Edited July 9, 2015 by HerbalEd

[HerbalEd]

Do tell...there...they have admitted that the Thai government is in fact a...dictatorship...

The gloves are off now buddy...

If the glove were really off then the students would still be in jail ... or worse. You don't want to see what it's like when a dictatorship really takes the gloves off and puts on the brass knuckles. It's much much worse than what we're experiencing here now.

Don't get me wrong. I do not at all condone any sort of authoritarian government, and I hope true democracy comes to Thailand sooner than later.

Edited July 9, 2015 by HerbalEd

[Nobb]

No dictatorship in Thailand just a junta law which was working very well before these so called activist wanted to chalange the government. Mistake to let them go and treat them as if they were some thing special. Still defiant and which will lead to many more protest. Lose the word student and call them young adult because they are all over 18 years old. I that the junta was showing the governments power to show what happens if you break junta law. Now the dam is broken and much more demenistrations will follow . Arrest them again because they are still defiant and treat them like every other prisioner! They have no shame about breaking Thia laws know they should feel the pain!

Edited July 9, 2015 by Nobb

[jesimps]

doesn't the comment 'not a hard-line dictatorship' at least indicate they accept they ARE a dictatorship?

just a discussion of how 'hard'?

Of course if you seize power with a coup you are a dictatorship. The same counts for absolute monarchies (Saudi Arabia is the only one I know).

But that is an academic question, how you call it. The important thing is that they do a good work in compare to all pseudo democratic governments before.

Good work like arresting peaceful student protesters, banning free speech, military courts, imprisonment without trial, article 44 etc etc. Oh! But excuse me I forgot. They cleared beach umbrellas and reduced lottery ticket prices.

[jesimps]

Thai Govt - your friendly dictatorship

These students were not taken away from their homes in the middle of the night and disappeared ... or were found a few days later battered and dead with their throats cut. That sort of dictatorship is far far more "un-friendly' than Thailand's.

If you ever had to live under such a terrible dictatorship in constant fear, you'd welcome Thailand's present government with open arms.

Give them time mate, they've had everything their own way so far.

[Benmart]

The test of a dictatorship is how it deals with dissent.