Ex-MPs’ dinner party a banned political activity, PM says

[webfact]

Ex-MPs’ dinner party a banned political activity, PM says
By KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

 

 

BANGKOK: -- THE prime minister on Monday denied any prior knowledge of a security operation that shut down a dinner meeting of 50 former MPs at a hotel in Bangkok last weekend.

 

While stressing that such a political activity was still prohibited, General Prayut Chan-o-cha said he had not been aware of the dinner nor the operation until it was on the news.

 

“Everything is about the appropriateness. If you want to hold a dinner party, you have to see whether it is involved in political matters or not,” Prayut said yesterday at a daily press briefing after the weekly Cabinet meeting. 

 

“The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will consider them. But sometimes we are tipped by the people and we have to examine.”

 

The PM said that such an activity where politicians met in |a big group remained prohibited. Certainly, politics would be discussed, Prayut said.

 

“I beg, please don’t do it now. Don’t cause any chaos or |confusion because it will affect my work today,” he said.

 

Political activities such as public assemblies or political party meetings had been banned by the NCPO who seized power since 2014. 

 

Violation of the ban on political gatherings of more than five people is punishable by up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to Bt10,000.

 

Last Saturday, a dinner party attended by some 50 former MPs ended quickly when police raided the hotel saying that a suspicious object, which could be a bomb, had been found. The former MPs were evacuated from the hotel. 

 

It was widely speculated that the bomb scare was a ruse by security officials who did not want them to gather for political purposes. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30317990

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-14

[Get Real]

48 minutes ago, webfact said:

I beg, please don’t do it now. Don’t cause any chaos or |confusion because it will affect my work today,” he said.

Yep, that´s one thing for sure. It doesn´t take much to do that, though.

The UN is going to have a field day about human rights again I can hear. Soon hearing the stone hit the bottom of the well.

[YetAnother]

making up a bomb scare ? surprised they didnt mention 'national security'

[yellowboat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Certainly, politics would be discussed, Prayut said.

They might just talk about girls all night.  They are being accused and found guilty over just being former MP's.  How is that bringing happiness back to the people ?  Hardly seems fair or just.  Shame on those who wanted this coup. 

[wakeupplease]

Control Freak how can the world deal with him beats me, you can't even shake your booty with this guy, says a lot for the country.

[colinneil]

I am the boss, and dont you forget it,  OK.

[kotsak]

Reconciliation TIT style.

 

[Lupatria]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Violation of the ban on political gatherings of more than five people is punishable by up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to Bt10,000.

Poor guys. They can’t even organize a self-help group for those suffering from depression due to loneliness at  birthday parties.

Edited June 14, 2017 by Lupatria

[Katipo]

Appropriate for who? The advancement of Thailand towards democracy through open discussion? Or appropriate in the eyes of the military junta? No need to reply, we all know the answer.

[fish monger]

15 hours ago, wakeupplease said:

Control Freak how can the world deal with him beats me, you can't even shake your booty with this guy, says a lot for the country.

This is what true dictators do...Crush ones freedoms...!