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Re: Protests update
April 2016
The Dilemma Confronting the U.S.-Thailand Relationship
Pavin Chachavalpongpun
Sarah Sewall, the U.S. under secretary of state for civilian security, democracy, and human rights, visited Thailand in late March. Her visit coincided with an ongoing debate on the country’s controversial military-drafted constitution. Thailand, a treaty ally of the United States, has been in the custody of the army since a coup in May 2014 overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The military junta promised to hold elections in 2017, but with a critical royal transition on the horizon, many Thais doubt that the military will step down before the royal succession takes place..... (read more).... http://www.nbr.org/publications/element.aspx?id=896
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Re: Protests update
Teeranai Charuvastra
21 April 2016
Protests Called Off as Watana Released on Bail
BANGKOK — Activists today canceled daily protests demanding the release of Pheu Thai politico Watana Muangsook from military detention after a martial court released him on bail this afternoon.
After spending three days in army custody, Watana was brought to the military court in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon where he was charged with violating the junta’s ban on protests. The 59-year-old veteran politician was subsequently released on a bond of 80,000 baht.
Watana’s lawyer told the media the martial court barred him from “inciting unrest,” participating in political activities and leaving the country without its permission..... (read more)....http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461239364
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Re: Protests update
Interesting parallels with recent events in Brazil.....it seems that wealthy, conservative classes elsewhere have found a sure-fire way of getting rid of democratically-elected leaders who don't toe the line!
http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...peached-brazil
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Re: Protests update
Teeranai Charuvastra
22 April 2016
Rallying Public for Release of Watana Exposes Hierarchy of Rights
BANGKOK — They came for the reporters and political cartoonists, and hands were wrung.
Then they came for the academics, and a storm of statements were issued. They arrested an old man for giving flowers, went after student activists for eating sandwiches, detained environmental activists opposing their projects, and still, little happened.
It wasn't until they came for a wealthy, privileged and well-connected... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461308583
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Re: Protests update
For Thailand, a portrait is crucial to preparations for succession
Thailand prepares the groundwork for its first royal succession in nearly 70 years.
Published APR 21, 2016
BANGKOK, THAILAND (Reuters) - Look around anywhere in Thailand and chances are you will see a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej displayed in offices, schools, banks or on the front of government buildings.
Recently, though, portraits of the king's son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, have increased as the kingdom of Thailand prepares the groundwork for its first royal succession in nearly 70 years.... (read more)... http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-...for-succession
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Re: Protests update
UN rights chief slams ‘crackdown’ on critics
THE NATION April 23, 2016
Thaksin hits back at Prayut, claims the government has been 'destroying itself'
THE United Nations' human rights chief expressed concern yesterday about the Thai government's clampdown on critics of the draft constitution and the tight curbs on dissent, adding to mounting pressure from the international community.
Meanwhile, fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra dismissed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's claim he had hired foreign lobbyists to campaign against the Thai government.... (read more)...http://www.nationmultimedia.com/poli...-30284532.html
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Re: Protests update
Pravit Rojanaphruk
23 April 2016
Junta’s Desperate Quest for Legitimacy
Dictatorial power can be crude and rude as student activist Rattaphol Supasopon found out recently.
Rattaphol, a member of Liberal Thammasat for Democracy, complained that some junta men paid an unannounced visit to his grandfather’s house, where his address is also registered. They just walked inside and started shooting photos of the home’s interior.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Interview: Thaksin Shinawatra on Thailand
April 21, 2016
For one of the world’s most polarizing individuals, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and a telecom billionaire, cuts an understated figure. The soft-spoken police officer left the force at the age of 38 and the company he founded to rent out computer equipment soon became the largest mobile phone operator in Thailand.... (read more).... http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2016...watra-thailand
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Re: Protests update
Editorial Opinion
'No' drama being played out in real life
Published: 23/04/2016
Writer: Kong Rithdee
In October 1988 there was a national referendum. A military dictator, under pressure from the international community.... (read more)....
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...t-in-real-life. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Post Publishing PCL. All rights reserved.
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Re: Protests update
Sasiwan Mokkhasen
23 April 2016
500 Monks Gather to Sanction Buddha Isara
Nakhon Pathom — Hundreds of monks gathered in Nakhon Pathom Saturday morning to sanction the activist monk Buddha Isara.
Around 500 monks who said they were from Bangkok and the central region, gathered this morning at the giant stupa Phra Pathommachedi to complain about Buddha Isara. They consider Buddha Isara to be instigating division among monks.... (read more)....http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...809§ion=11
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Re: Protests update
WILL YOU COME AND JOIN THE DANCE? WILL YOU, WON’T YOU? WILL YOU, WON’T YOU?
APRIL 24, 2016
Giles Ji Ungpakorn
Like the song of the “mock turtle”, the distorted machinations of Generalissimo Prayut in Thailand’s Alice in Wonderland story continue. The junta is clearly in a state of deep paranoia concerning the draft constitution and the so-called referendum to legitimise it..... (read more).... https://uglytruththailand.wordpress....-you-wont-you/
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Re: Protests update
UDD calls for international observation of referendum
April 24, 2016
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship or the red-shirt movement has called for the United Nations, the European Union or an international organization to send teams to observe the national referendum on the draft charter in Thailand to ensure fairness, transparency and trust.... (read more)... http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/160805
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Re: Protests update
Suthep boldly supports draft charter
Published: 24/04/2016
Writer: Online Reporters
Suthep Thaugsuban, chairman of the Muan Maha Prachachon for Reform Foundation, has declared support for the draft constitution, saying it is suitable for the current situation in the country.... (read more)... http://m.bangkokpost.com/news/945925...o%2F1oJDaNlVqp
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Re: Protests update
Regional MPs concerned by Thailand’s draft constitution and planned referendum
Submitted by editor1 on Mon, 25/04/2016
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR)
JAKARTA, 25 April 2016 — Parliamentarians from across Southeast Asia have expressed deep concerns about Thailand’s new draft constitution, as well as a planned referendum on the charter, highlighting an apparent effort by the military government to strengthen and prolong its control over Thai politics and stifle open debate.
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) criticized the decision by the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to outlaw campaigns for or against the charter in advance of the referendum, slated for 7 August, and called on Thailand’s leaders to allow for a robust, public discussion of the draft..... (read more).... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6078
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Re: Protests update
Military prosecutors indict activists demanding Rajabhakti Park probe
Submitted by editor2 on Mon, 25/04/2016
The military prosecutors have indicted six activists for demanding an investigation into the Rajabhakti Park’s corruption scandals....(read more)... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6077
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Re: Protests update
PDRC, Red Shirts under probe for talking about draft charter
Submitted by editor2 on Mon, 25/04/2016
The Deputy junta head ordered the authorities to launch investigation on the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and the anti-establishment red shirts for announcing their stands on the draft constitution.... (read more).... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6079
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Re: Protests update
Teeranai Charuvastra
25 April 2016
Junta Says it Has Proof Thaksin Behind Smear Campaign – But It’s Classified
BANGKOK — The junta said today it can prove, once and for all, that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has paid foreign lobbyists to sabotage Thailand’s reputation and destabilize the military government.
But that proof is classified, for now....(read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461581682
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Re: Protests update
Charter group defies regime Top figures demand right to air opinions Published: 26/04/2016
More than 100 academics, activists and politicians from two major rival camps have stepped up calls for the military regime to guarantee them the right to freely express their views on the draft charter...(read more)...
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...-defies-regime.
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Re: Protests update
New army powers creating a police state
Published: 25/04/2016
Order 13/2559, issued by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) which grants police powers to the military, to investigate certain crimes without due process, is tantamount to an admission of failure.... (read more)...
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...a-police-state.
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Re: Protests update
2010 military operation against red-shirt is lawful: junta head
Submitted by editor4 on Tue, 26/04/2016
The junta head said the military operation against the red-shirt protesters in 2010 was legally justified, denying allegations that he favored Democrat Party to Phue Thai Party.... (read more)... http://prachatai.org/english/node/60...medium=twitter
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Re: Protests update
Pravit Rojanaphruk
26 April 2016
Prof Denies Breaking ‘Vague’ Referendum Law, Junta Spokesman Says She Did
BANGKOK — A university lecturer nearly arrested yesterday for distributing pamphlets listing reasons to oppose the draft charter insists she did nothing illegal.
Benchalat Chua, 40, a Mahidol University lecturer, said today she did not violate the new article which forbids inciting people to oppose or endorse the proposed constitution as claimed by a junta spokesman one day after police told her to leave the campus of Chulalongkorn University and report to a police station.
Col. Winthai Suvaree on Tuesday said Benchalat, a 40-year-old peace studies instructor, violated Article 61 of the referendum law. She flatly denied the allegation, adding.... (read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=
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Re: Protests update
'Extra question' rings alarm bells Scholars warn it will entrench regime grip Published: 27/04/2016
Writer: Mongkol Bangprapa
An appointed Senate with the power to select a prime minister will set a dangerous precedent enabling "extra-constitutional elements" to seize power without staging coups, academics have warned.... (read more)...
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...gs-alarm-bells.
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Re: Protests update
Prayut says “No” to foreign observers in August 7 referendum
April 27, 2016
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha made clear yesterday no international observers are to be allowed to observe the referendum scheduled on August 7.... (read more)... http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/161223
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Re: Protests update
Pravit Rojanaphruk
27 April 2016
Military Abducts at Least 4 Across Thailand
BANGKOK — At least four people were abducted by the military in the early hours of this morning, according to members of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.
Two men were taken from their homes in Bangkok while another two were seized in Khon Kaen, according to Sarawut Wongsaranon of the lawyer’s group..... (read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461731802
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Re: Protests update
Wed Apr 27, 2016
Thai Facebook group charged for 'foul language' about draft constitution REUTERS/CHAIWAT SUBPRASOM
Thailand's election commission on Wednesday filed charges against a group for posting "foul and strong" comments online criticizing a military-backed draft constitution, the first case filed under a law that prohibits campaigning on the charter.
Groups on both sides of Thailand's political divide have denounced the draft constitution as undemocratic.
The U.N. human rights chief last week urged the junta to curtail "dangerously sweeping" powers enshrined in the draft charter and urged the government to "actively encourage, rather than discourage" dialogue on the draft.
Election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn filed the charges... (read more).... http://www.reuters.com/article/us-th...+World+News%29
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Re: Protests update
Teeranai Charuvastra
27 April 2016
Some Abducted Activists Linked to Redshirt Movement
BANGKOK — At least two of eight people abducted from their homes by the military this morning managed the Redshirt movement’s Facebook pages, the movement’s leaders have confirmed.
Redshirt leader Jatuporn Prompan said Noppakao Kongsuwan and Vararattana Mengtrakul, who along with six others were taken away by soldiers early Wednesday morning, are his close aides and admins of his official page.... (read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461742080
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Re: Protests update
Editorial Opinion
Storm clouds gather over charter vote
Published: 27/04/2016
Writer: Ploenpote Atthakor
Climate-wise, we are told that the almost-unbearable heat, with the mercury rising well over 40C, will soon be over. Monsoon rain is about to start and will drive away the sweltering weather. Yet the political climate is another matter....(read more)...
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...r-charter-vote.
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Re: Protests update
Update: about 14 protesters have been arrested at Victory Monument
Teeranai Charuvastra
27 April 2016
Protest Called for 10 Abducted by Military
BANGKOK — Activists have called upon the public to rally this evening in Bangkok to protest the military’s detention of 10 people from across Thailand without charge.
Resistant Citizen, one of the few organizations that has campaigned against the military regime, announced the protest on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, urging the public to gather en masse at 6pm at the Victory Monument.. (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=
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Re: Protests update
New computer crime law to give govt more control over content
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION April 28, 2016
THE National Legislative Assembly will today consider a new computer crime legislation, which critics said would lead to more government powers to control the country’s online content, including those on popular social media.... (read more).... http://www.nationmultimedia.com/poli...-30284860.html
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Re: Protests update
IS THE REFERENDUM RESULT ALREADY KNOWN?
April 28 2016
While the UN, ASEAN parliamentarians, academics and politicians have all made suggestions about allowing free speech on the constitutional referendum, the military junta has demonstrated in recent days that there is no chance of this.
More than this, the military regime, the dictatorship, is working to ensure a Yes vote through intimidation and repression.... (read more)... https://politicalprisonersofthailand...already-known/
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Re: Protests update
Arbitrary arrest and detention must end: 6 Thai organizations for human rights
Submitted by editor4 on Thu, 28/04/2016
Arbitrary arrest and detention must end
Since this morning (27 April 2016), military authorities have carried out the arrests of at least ten individuals in Bangkok and KhonKaen provinces. The raids have been conducted with the seizure of property without informing the arrestees of their charges and the reasons for the deprivation of their liberty. They were also not told where they would be taken to. It was later reported that the individuals have been taken to the 11th Military Circle. As a result of the arrest and detention of the individuals, in the afternoon of the same day, a group of activists and citizens have organized a symbolic action at the Victory Monument to demand the release of the individuals held in custody since morning. The protesters, more than 16 of them, were later nabbed by the officials and held in custody, too.....(read more)..... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6096
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Re: Protests update
Thailand’s containment constitution
BY ALLEN HICKEN, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR – 28 APRIL 2016
Allen Hicken looks at how the new charter attempts to fight vile and venal politicians, much like an infectious disease.
Thailand is once again considering a controversial new constitution.
The nation’s two largest political parties have each condemned the draft charter as an attempt by the military to extend its time in power. Meanwhile, the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has all but banned criticism of the draft, even as it gears up for an aggressive nationwide pro-draft campaign ahead of an 7 August referendum.
The draft (available in Thai here) reflects a widely shared view among Thailand’s conservative elite regarding the problems at the root of recent political crises. This new charter can be read as a response to a two-fold diagnosis of what ails Thai democracy.... (read more).... http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newman...-constitution/
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Re: Protests update
Editorial Opinion
Government playing with fire
Published: 29/04/2016 at 04:20 AM Writer: Editorial
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and government must stop the arbitrary arrest and detention of its critics through the extraordinary powers of Section 44 of the provisional charter or see itself becoming the trigger of a new round of conflicts.....(read more)...
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...ying-with-fire.
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Re: Protests update
Amnesty slams govt for arrests after anti-charter FB posts
THE NATION April 29, 2016
AMNESTY International yesterday condemned the arrest of Facebook users, an act seen by Amnesty as a brazen attempt by the junta to shut down debate ahead of the referendum on the draft constitution.
In its press statement, Amnesty said at least a dozen Facebook commentators have been detained or charged since Wednesday under a draconian new order issued by the military government. The arrests come in response to comments on the controversial draft that Thailand's military government is seeking to impose, the statement said.
"If ordinary people cannot comment on a Facebook post without facing the threat of 10 years behind bars and a hefty fine, what hope is there for any open and honest debate on the military government's draft constitution?" said Josef Benedict, Amnesty International's director of campaigns for South East Asia.... (read more)... http://www.nationmultimedia.com/poli...-30284936.html
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Re: Protests update
29 April 2016
‘Personal’ Campaigning Acceptable (If Charter Vote Isn’t Canceled)
By Pravit Rojanaphruk
Senior Staff Writer
BANGKOK — Want to wear a T-shirt urging folks to vote the draft charter up or down? That’s fine, so long as you don’t wear them with a big group of friends in public. Want to hang your position from a flag or sign in your window? No problem, just don’t put it on a billboard.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461904077
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Re: Protests update
Junta violates their own rule book: Academics
Submitted by editor2 on Fri, 29/04/2016
Academics said that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), formal name of the Thai junta, has violated their own rule book in harassing critics of the junta-sponsored draft constitution.
Academics of the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies (IHRP) of Mahidol University on Wednesday, 27 April 2016, held a briefing about the authorities’ measures to persecute and intimidate people for criticizing the draft constitution written by the junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).
The academics pointed out that.... (read more)... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6101
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Re: Protests update
NCPO firm on holding August 7 referendum
THE NATION April 30, 2016
Prayut also open to allowing foreign observers for vote.
THE JUNTA chief will "do whatever is necessary" to ensure that the August 7 referendum on the draft constitution goes ahead as planned, despite all the moves by opponents of the charter, according to a highly placed source.
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also heads the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), will not invoke his power under Article 44 of the interim charter to cancel the referendum in case of unrest, said the NCPO source.... (read more)...
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/poli...-30285005.html
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Re: Protests update
Pravit Rojanaphruk
30 April 2016
Press Freedom Isn’t Free
Press freedom isn’t free, and the price is especially high under a dictatorship. People must fight to maintain it, as they must freedom in general. We cannot maintain freedoms of press and expression if we are not willing to pay the price in the face of threats and tyrannies.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=
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Re: Protests update
30 April 2016
Campaign Guideline Bans Campaigning Before Charter Vote
Teeranai Charuvastra
BANGKOK — Official guidelines of what is prohibited during the run-up to a referendum on the charter proposed as Thailand’s 20th constitution bars virtually all aspects of campaigning, such as persuading the public “to vote one way or another.”
The eight prohibitions issued by the Election Commission yesterday to clarify the scope of a separate law which outlaws any campaigning that uses “aggressive” or “rude” language – a vague definition that alarms many critics of the charter draft.
But the guidelines replaced the ambiguity by seemingly banning all campaigns in one swoop, particularly prohibition No. 8, which bars “campaigning to persuade people in the society to vote one way or another, to incite unrest, or to obstruct voting.”... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Teeranai Charuvastra
30 April 2016
Lese Majeste Filed Against Two Facebookers, Anti-Junta Activist
BANGKOK — Two Facebookers and an anti-junta activist detained by the military earlier this week have been charged with royal defamation, which carries maximum penalty of 15 years per offense.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=