Nation journo, politicians freed after signing agreement

[webfact]

Nation journo, politicians freed after signing agreement
Wasamon Audjarint
Jitraporn Senwong
Kasamakorn Chanwanpen
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Tuesday released from detention The Nation's senior reporter and two Pheu Thai politicians after getting them to sign an undertaking to desist from any move or expression of opinions opposing the junta's road map.

The Nation's senior journalist, Pravit Rojanaphruk, signed an agreement not to lead, participate, or assist any anti-coup movement. The NCPO filed a pending police complaint against him, which would be activated if he violates the NCPO's order again, a source said. He was in detention since Sunday afternoon.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Tuesday said those who were called for "attitude adjustment" have to comply with the agreement to take control of some of their personal activities, for example to inform the NCPO when intending to travel abroad. The NCPO also authorised the right to freeze his bank account if they find his movements suspicious, he said.

"I will agree with him no more. If he [Pravit] repeats it next time, he has to be in the courts. There'll be no further negotiation," the premier said.

The NCPO spokesmen Tuesday said that people summoned for "attitude adjustment" had been picked for their "behaviour" no matter what occupation they practised. It stressed it was treating everyone from every sector equally.

NCPO deputy spokesperson Colonel Sirichan Nga-thong explained the four criteria used to consider whether one was obliged to attend attitude adjustment sessions were: behaviour, violation of an agreement, giving inaccurate information, and causing damage to organisations and individuals.

She said the consideration did not take into account a person's occupation.

With regards to proposals from Thai and international organisations concerning human rights, Sirichan said the NCPO's orders and announcements were regarded as laws. Any violation would be dealt with by the authorities, she said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Nation-journo-politicians-freed-after-signing-agre-30268855.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-15

[plachon]

The NCPO spokesmen Tuesday said that people summoned for "attitude adjustment" had been picked for their "behaviour" no matter what occupation they practised. It stressed it was treating everyone from every sector equally.

How touching of the generals that they should reserve the right to silence, detain, harass, censor and generally abuse the human rights of people from all sectors of society equally. However, I really wonder if that is actually the case and if some animals are not more equal than others in having their attitude adjusted? I sense a legion of Somchai Smiths will be heavily overworked correcting various "errors" at present in the MinTruth, as Big Brother gets more desperate in Bringing Happiness to the People. 1984 meets Animal Farm meets "Siamese Days"?

[z42]

Not willing to tolerate even criticism shows a regime as being incredibly weak and being thoroughly unsuitable to govern a country for any length of time.

The journo i sympathize with but the ptp guys have no leg to stand on imo

Edited September 15, 2015 by z42

[Mango Bob]

I hope the UN tears this self appoint PM apart.

[Prbkk]

I hope the UN tears this self appoint PM apart.

Just a time for him to try to fly under the radar and keep a low profile...but no, it's off the NYC to lead with his chin ( and glass jaw if the dummy spitting is anything to go by)

[lovelomsak]

The Nation's senior journalist, Pravit Rojanaphruk, signed an agreement not to lead, participate, or assist any anti-coup movement. The NCPO filed a pending police complaint against him, which would be activated if he violates the NCPO's order again, a source said. He was in detention since Sunday afternoon.

I look at this pending police complaint as a form of extortion. Corruption at its best huh.

[MaxLee]

Attitude adjustment:

For VIP politicians and influential people: slap on the wrist, "next time don't get caught"

For the rest: put up, shut up or rot in jail....

[WhizBang]

The general is long past his use by date.

[metisdead]

A troll baiting post has been removed.

[kingalfred]

Pravit Rojanaphruk was and still is a Peau thai "newspaper hack" . Even before the military take over he was attacking the anti-yingluck gov demonstrations in his scribblings in the paper.

Edited September 15, 2015 by kingalfred

[mikemac]

I hope the UN tears this self appoint PM apart.

Just a time for him to try to fly under the radar and keep a low profile...but no, it's off the NYC to lead with his chin ( and glass jaw if the dummy spitting is anything to go by)

The PM better be careful when he leaves the country, he may be ousted in a coup. It has happened to a previous leader.

Edited September 15, 2015 by mikemac

[Basil B]

This reminds me of when I was a child, when I said honestly I did not like anything I was hit over the head by my mum and told to like it...

OK then I said I liked it, funny how I was not hit over the head for lying,

Stifling debate and gagging those who have a difference of opinion is not going to make Thailand a great society.

Edited September 15, 2015 by Basil B

[lildragon]

indefensible.

[Basil B]

I hope the UN tears this self appoint PM apart.

Just a time for him to try to fly under the radar and keep a low profile...but no, it's off the NYC to lead with his chin ( and glass jaw if the dummy spitting is anything to go by)

The PM better be careful when he leaves the country, he may be ousted in a coup. It has happened to a previous leader.

I seem to recall some announcement a few weeks back we can not discus that... can not go putting ideas it peoples heads...

[MaxLee]

I hope the UN tears this self appoint PM apart.

Just a time for him to try to fly under the radar and keep a low profile...but no, it's off the NYC to lead with his chin ( and glass jaw if the dummy spitting is anything to go by)

The PM better be careful when he leaves the country, he may be ousted in a coup. It has happened to a previous leader.

Then he'd better learn English or he won't survive in a modern international society,

And even if he's outed there will be other influential greedy a$$$$e$ waiting at the political trough....

[Wifflewaffle]

I can't take this guy seriously just because he reminds me of Mr Chow in the Hangover movies

[Thai at Heart]

This is going one way fast.

[Tywais]

Posts removed based on the News pinned topic rules: This is a warning not to make certain allusions.

Any discussion of the Monarchy or members of the royal family in a political context will result in a ban. This includes vague comments that could be construed as referring to the Monarchy.

[webfact]

POLITICS
Nation writer, politicians let go after signing pact
WASAMON AUDJARINT,
JITRAPORN SENWONG,
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION



PM warns tere will be no negotiations, 'offenders' will face court in the future

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday released from detention The Nation's senior reporter and two Pheu Thai politicians after getting them to sign an undertaking to desist from any move or expression of opinions opposing the junta's road map.

The Nation's senior journalist, Pravit Rojanaphruk, signed an agreement not to lead, participate or assist any anti-coup movement. The NCPO also filed a pending police complaint against him, which would be activated if he violates the NCPO's order again, a source said. He was in detention since Sunday afternoon.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that those who were called for "attitude adjustment", including Pravit, have to comply with the pact in relation to some personal activities, such as informing the NCPO when planning to travel abroad.

He also pointed out that the NCPO has the authority to freeze their bank account if it finds their movements suspicious. "I will agree with them no more. If they repeat it again, they have to go to court. There'll be no more negotiation," the premier said.

The NCPO spokespersons said people summoned for "attitude adjustment" had been picked for their "behaviour" no matter what occupation they practised. It stressed it was treating everyone from every sector equally.

NCPO deputy spokesperson Colonel Sirichan Nga-thong explained the four criteria used to consider whether one was obliged to attend attitude adjustment sessions were: behaviour, violation of an agreement, giving inaccurate information, and causing damage to organisations and individuals. She said the consideration did not take into account a person's occupation.

As for proposals from Thai and international organisations concerning human rights, Sirichan said the NCPO's orders and announcements were regarded as laws. Any violation would be dealt with by the authorities, she said.

NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari insisted that the "attitude adjustment" session was an information-exchange process for creating common understanding, particularly when unclear information involved organisations as it could impact on conflict and undermine confidence.

The attitude adjustment session would take no more than seven days, he added.

So far, nobody has been charged, Winthai said, reiterating that the officers had emphasised the exchange of thoughts and creating understanding.

Earlier, The Nation's Managing Editor Jintana Panyaarvudh had submitted an official letter to Prayut via the Army Secretary Office, calling for Pravit's immediate release. .

The letter was received by Colonel Rapepat Trijitthitikul, attached to the Army Secretary Office. It would be passed on to the First Army Area yesterday before being forwarded to the NCPO chief and PM Prayut.

Many political activists have posted Facebook comments in relation to Pravit's detention, demanding that he be freed. Among them was notable social critic Sulak Sivaraksa.

The critic said he admired Pravit for his bravery and fine attributes as a journalist, saying the detained senior journalist was one of a few deemed most excellent. "I hope the NCPO will be generous enough to listen to criticism. If he [Pravit] went too far, he can be handled by normal laws," he wrote.

Also, Sulak's post included that in bringing back democracy, the NCPO must not neglect its core values, including freedom of expression. As a result, the military should be open to criticism, he wrote.

He also warned that if the NCPO wanted to convince the international community that Thailand was moving towards democracy, it had to stop detaining people and using the expression "invitation for attitude adjustment" - especially when the government's representatives would be attending the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

Pheu Thai's Pichai Naripthaphan and Karun Hosakul, were also released yesterday after seven and five days' detention respectively.

Pichai will not be charged, as the NCPO has decided to give him another chance after having attended seven sessions of attitude adjustment. Initially it had intended to charge him with violating its orders.

Shortly after the release, Pheu Thai issued a statement yesterday calling on the NCPO to stop threatening people's rights and freedom and it also called for democracy to be restored.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Nation-writer-politicians-let-go-after-signing-pac-30268876.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-16

[Star Dust]

Edited September 15, 2015 by Star Dust

[NongKhaiKid]

Returning happiness to the people ?

Well at least if everybody just does as they're told and stop criticising the NCPO will be happy, if no one else.

[canuckamuck]

Latest addition to the list of national values

[webfact]

Thai junta frees journalist, politicians critical of regime
NATTASUDA ANUSONDISAI, Associated Press
GRANT PECK, Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's military government on Tuesday freed a journalist and two politicians who were detained for defying orders against criticizing its rule.

Junta spokesman Col. Winthai Suvaree confirmed the releases of Pravit Rojanaphruk of The Nation newspaper and two politicians associated with the elected government that was toppled by the army in May 2014. One of the freed politicians, former Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, announced his release in a Facebook post, and Pravit did the same on Twitter.

"Released by Thai junta already. Thanks to friends, colleagues & supporters. My ideology is intact. Will talk more later. #Thailand," Pravit said in his post Tuesday evening.

His last tweet on Sunday before being detained said, "Freedom can't be maintained if we're not willing to defend it."

The Nation reported that Pravit signed an agreement not to participate in activities opposing last year's coup.

The junta says such detentions, normally for up to a week, are for "attitude adjustment."

The detentions drew sharp criticism from international human rights and media groups.

"Amnesty International was appalled by the detention of these prisoners of conscience and disappointed that their release was accompanied with tight restrictions," Josef Benedict, deputy director of its Southeast Asia and Pacific regional office, said in a statement. "This is release but no freedom. Release restrictions that tightly muzzle hundreds who have been arbitrarily detained, and military powers of detention violate Thailand's international human rights obligations on the right to liberty, movement, freedom of association and expression."

It was the second time Pravit had been detained by the junta, which called in large numbers of politicians and potential dissidents in the months after the coup, and recently appears to have resumed a crackdown on dissent. The junta's position is that criticism could destabilize the nation, which it says needs unity after almost a decade of sometimes violent political conflict.

In his Facebook post, Pichai thanked the media for reporting his situation and his friends and rights groups for seeking his release. The former energy minister, who had been publicly critical of the junta's economic policies, said that because of the unusual political situation, he would refrain from giving further interviews on the economy or the effects of politics on it.

He added, however, that he believed time would prove everything he had already stated, while saying he wished to support the government's efforts to solve the country's problems.

Pichai and the other released politician, Karun Hosakul, are members of the Pheu Thai party of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was forced out of office by a controversial court decision shortly before last year's coup. A 2006 military coup ousted the government of her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-09-16

[BSJ]

It must be tough for the PM to hear about all the whinging and whinning that goes on in this forum....but as yet no-one here has had to go for AA.

[MZurf]

Pravit Rojanaphruk was and still is a Peau thai "newspaper hack" . Even before the military take over he was attacking the anti-yingluck gov demonstrations in his scribblings in the paper.

Seriously?? Sounds to me like he has an ounce of integrity but that can, of course, get you into serious trouble in Thailand.

[quandow]

I hope the UN tears this self appoint PM apart.

He's too small to be even a blip on their radar.

[yellowboat]

"not to lead, participate, or assist any anti-coup movement". The junta's paranoia and fear are so telling. You wonder what the world leaders are going to say.

[kingalfred]

Pravit Rojanaphruk was and still is a Peau thai "newspaper hack" . Even before the military take over he was attacking the anti-yingluck gov demonstrations in his scribblings in the paper.

Seriously?? Sounds to me like he has an ounce of integrity but that can, of course, get you into serious trouble in Thailand.

yeah "seriously"he's got form

[Eric Loh]

Even the well heeled educated Bangkokians are getting fed-up of Prayuth. Pravit is from a upper income family, son of a diplomat and highly educated. I also see more articles in the mass media that are very critical of the government. Even talking to young educated Bangkokians show a growing frustration with this kind of public harassment and curtailing freedom of opinions. The junta can't hurled in everyone who spoke negatively. It's just a matter of time before someone or some group will stand up and give the junta a severe test.

[kingalfred]

Even the well heeled educated Bangkokians are getting fed-up of Prayuth. Pravit is from a upper income family, son of a diplomat and highly educated. I also see more articles in the mass media that are very critical of the government. Even talking to young educated Bangkokians show a growing frustration with this kind of public harassment and curtailing freedom of opinions. The junta can't hurled in everyone who spoke negatively. It's just a matter of time before someone or some group will stand up and give the junta a severe test.

and they will lose