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Re: Protests update
Article 61 ruling ‘crucial to rights’
The Nation June 27, 2016
THE government has been accused of applying a heavy hand in restricting freedom of expression ahead of the referendum on August 7.
In response, human rights advocates and scholars have petitioned the Constitutional Court via the Ombudsman for a ruling whether the referendum's key legal mechanism, Article 61 of the new referendum law, violates people's rights as guaranteed under the interim constitution.
The court will rule on the issue on Wednesday.... (read more)...
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/poli...-30289186.html
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Re: Protests update
June 27, 2016
Thai PM says won't resign whatever August referendum outcome
REUTERS/ATHIT PERAWONGMETHA
Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Monday he would not resign if Thais reject a military-backed draft constitution when they vote in a referendum in August.
Prayuth heads the ruling junta, or National Council for Peace and Order, that took power after a bloodless coup toppled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's elected government in May 2014 coup.
The military had justified the coup, saying it had acted to restore stability after months of street demonstrations in Bangkok had paralyzed Yingluck's government.
"I won't resign. I am the one who lays out the rules for this country," Prayuth told... (read more)....
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-th...-idUSKCN0ZD0R1
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Re: Protests update
THAI ELECTION MONITOR FUMES OVER BEING BARRED FROM THAI REFERENDUM
By Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer - June 27, 2016
BANGKOK — After waiting months for official accreditation, the head of a nonpartisan domestic election monitoring group said he was dismayed to learn Monday that no Thai organizations would be granted status for the upcoming charter referendum.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...ai-referendum/
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Re: Protests update
THAILAND: How coup d’état undermined fair trial concept
Submitted by editor1 on Tue, 28/06/2016
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, where the king serves as head of state and has traditionally exerted political influence. In May 2014, military and police leaders, taking the name of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) led by General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, overthrew the interim government led by the Pheu Thai political party. The NCPO replaced the 2007 Constitution with an interim constitution.
The NCPO has maintained control over the security forces and all government institutions since the coup. With regards to the justice system, prior to the coup, the Thai justice system was recognized as independent and the government generally respected it. Since the NCPO overthrew the interim government.... (read more)....
http://prachatai.org/english/node/6302
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Re: Protests update
“It’s not wrong to campaign,” new activist group protests with symbolic balloons in Khon Kaen
Posted on 06/28/2016 by The Isaan Record
KHON KAEN – On Monday afternoon, a newly formed activist group gathered at Si Than Lake on Khon Kaen University campus to protest against the ban on public campaigns to reject the draft constitution and military government’s intimidation of activists in the run-up to the charter referendum on August 7.
Seven activists released balloons showing the slogan “It’s not wrong to campaign,” and read a statement urging the military government to lift the ban on public campaigning and allow freedom of expression.... (read more)...
http://isaanrecord.com/2016/06/28/it...-in-khon-kaen/
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Re: Protests update
Prayut coy over 'back-up plan'
Abhisit wants clarity on charter options
Published: 29/06/2016
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says there's no problem if he loses the referendum...(read more)...
http://m.bangkokpost.com/news/102237...kokpost.com%2F
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Re: Protests update
Thailand defeated in UNSC bid
Published: 29/06/2016
UNITED NATIONS - Kazakhstan easily defeated Thailand's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, with just 55 countries backing Thailand against 138 for Kazakhstan.... (read more)... http://m.bangkokpost.com/news/102232...kokpost.com%2F
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Re: Protests update
Tue Jun 28, 2016 |
Exclusive - U.S. to upgrade Thailand in annual human trafficking report
By Jason Szep, Matt Spetalnick and Andrew R.C. Marshall | WASHINGTON/BANGKOK
(Reuters) - The United States has decided to remove Thailand from its list of worst human trafficking offenders, officials said, a move that could help smooth relations with Bangkok’s military-run government.... (read more)....
http://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN0ZE2NN
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Re: Protests update
REFERENDUM LAW UPHELD AS PRAYUTH UNVEILS ‘PLAN B’
Drafting Do-Over Could See Elections Delayed Years
By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter - June 29, 2016
BANGKOK — The Constitutional Court today affirmed the legality of a draconian law barring campaigning before the charter draft is put to an August vote on a day which also saw the junta finally answer what will happen if it goes down in defeat.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...nveils-plan-b/
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Re: Protests update
Freedom of expression unneccessary for Thailand: Deputy Junta Head
Submitted by editor4 on Wed, 29/06/2016
The deputy junta head has said this was not proper a time to demand for the freedom of expression since the country is now in the ‘transitional period,’ adding that the arrest of the anti-junta activists was not a human rights violation.... (read more)...
http://www.prachatai.org/english/node/6308