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Re: Protests update
01 May 2016
Watch Protest Leader Resist Arrest at BTS Chong Nonsi
BANGKOK — Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat, a student activist and protest leader, was taken into custody at BTS Chong Nonsi late Sunday afternoon in Bangkok.
Khaosod English streamed the protracted confrontation live online.
Sirawith distributed post-it notes and called upon people to write pro-democracy messages on them before being led away in a police vehicle from Sathorn Road. Police officers said they were taking Sirawith to Thung Mahamek Police Station.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1462097641
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Re: Protests update
Yingluck warns PM against cracking down on junta critics
The Nation May 2, 2016
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday warned her successor Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha against tough action on the junta’s critics and officials who did not respond to his policies.
In her rare direct comment to Prayut on Facebook, Yingluck said the general had told her that when the country is reeling under national division, by resorting to the law to dismiss officials because they do not respond to policies or forcing them to follow orders, the situation will get worse.... (read more)...
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/poli...-30285085.html
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Re: Protests update
Pravit Rojanaphruk
01 May 2016
Analysis: Junta's Soft Power vs. Persistent Peaceful Protests
BANGKOK — “Cappuccino or espresso?” a police officer asked protest leader Sirawith Seritiwat minutes before leading him away from the scene of a public protest late Sunday afternoon.
That very sincere question, posed before a throng prickling with lenses and journalists, best captured the tactics at play by both the military regime and its opponents to win hearts and minds both in Thailand and abroad.... (read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Lessons from a dictatorial neighbour
By Nicholas Farrelly
Monday, 02 May 2016
"How quickly things change."
When I first lived in Thailand, almost two decades ago, the prevailing attitude toward Myanmar was predictably dismissive. Myanmar was considered backward, destitute and despotic..... (read more)... http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/opi...neighbour.html
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Re: Protests update
Disclosure: Several years ago Amsterdam represented Thaksin as his first lawyer.
An Open Letter to Thailand’s General Prayuth
By Robert Amsterdam | Published: May 2, 2016
Dear General Prayuth Chan-Ocha,
It’s now almost two years since you and your associates staged your coup in May 2014. Since then I have been silent not for lack of payment but because you have taken so many people hostage – indeed, you’ve take the entire country hostage.... (read more)...
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Re: Protests update
03 May 2016
“Watch Yourself”, Prayuth Tells Reporter on World Press Freedom Day (Video)
By Sasiwan Mokkhasen
BANGKOK — When a veteran reporter said, “Freedom of the press is freedom of the people” Tuesday, the junta chief advised her to watch herself....(read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...374§ion=11
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Re: Protests update
Suppression of critics is a national disgrace
The Nation May 3, 2016
The legitimacy of the coming constitution is withering inside the protective cocoon woven around it
The ruling junta, the National Council for Peace and Order, continues to shoot itself in the foot by suppressing critics of its policies and especially of the draft constitution. Rather than tolerate citizens' expressions of disagreement, as is the norm in any developed or developing country that cherishes or at least aspires to democracy, it brooks no criticism at all and allows no leeway. The result, time and again, is international condemnation.... (read more)...
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opin...-30285132.html
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Re: Protests update
A roadmap with many twists, turns
Published: 03/05/2016
Writer: Atiya Achakulwisut
The military regime is a virtuoso, no? Some of its political moves are simply stunning, so incredible that people are left dumbstruck by the effect.
Take this example. Most people thought there was a coup on May 22 two years ago but coup leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha -- now prime minister and head of the coup's administrative body the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) -- said they were wrong. There was no coup.... (read more)..... http://m.bangkokpost.com/opinion/957...o%2F6a3ZltpXxR
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Re: Protests update
Pravit Rojanaphruk
03 May 2016
Junta Launches Diplomatic PR Campaign
BANGKOK — The Foreign Ministry has issued six pages of talking points for diplomats around the world to discuss Thailand’s charter referendum and military regime.
Written in English, “Thailand – Towards Reform and Sustainable Democracy: The Need for Public Order and Social Harmony,” outlines arguments to defend and justify recent authoritarian measures taken by the military regime by framing them as necessary to protect “public order and social harmony.”.... (read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...91&typecate=06
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Re: Protests update
Reuters
Tue May 3, 2016
Thailand bans 'rude' opinions ahead of crucial referendum
BANGKOK | BY AMY SAWITTA LEFEVRE AND ANDREW R.C. MARSHALL
From the question of Britain's place in Europe to the choice of New Zealand's flag, referendums worldwide are usually preceded by unbridled debate. Not so under Thailand's junta.
Many Thais are chafing under strict new regulations governing discussion ahead of an Aug. 7 referendum on a military-backed constitution.
The junta that seized power in a May 2014 coup has already threatened to jail anyone campaigning for or against the constitution, which critics say entrenches the military's political influence.
The 14 rules, which were issued by the Election Commission and formally became law on Monday, make even well-meaning discussion risky, say academics and experts.
Under the regulations, Thais must express their opinions with "polite words ... without distorting the facts".
"Rude, aggressive, or intimidating" interviews with the media are banned. So is organizing a panel discussion "with intent to incite political unrest".... (read more)... http://www.reuters.com/article/us-th...-idUSKCN0XU0PG