Thread: Thailand : State of Emergency

the reds are looking for reconcilation with more dead,

their message is still the same: "we have no clue but we will fight and die just because we can"

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Why have you yet again started a yet another new thread on this, when there are other threads running about it already?

It's know as "copy and paste" simple to do and builds number of posts up quickly.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255309070027

Suthep: No plan yet to lift Emergency Decree in remaining provinces

BANGKOK, 7 September 2010 (NNT) – The Government still has no plan to lift the Emergency Decree in the remaining provinces, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban.

Asked if the Cabinet meeting today considered the revocation of the Emergency Decree in the seven remaining provinces, Mr Suthep, in his capacity as the Director of the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), responded that the matter had not been discussed.

The seven provinces presently imposed with the Emergency Decree comprise Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Samut Prakan.

Speaking of the planned demonstrations of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, the Deputy Prime Minister insisted that any movement must be made in conformity to the law. He warned that legal actions would be stringently taken against wrongdoers.

The UDD’s upcoming gathering in Chiang Mai will take place from 17.00 hrs to 23.00 hrs on 19 September with preparations and publicity to be made one day in advance.

Meanwhile, the protestors in Bangkok will ride their motorcycles through Ratchaprasong Junction at 13.00 hrs on the same day to tie red cloths around the area, marking the 4th anniversary of the 2006 military coup, which ousted the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

Originally Posted by Mid According to the Spokesperson, as September and October have for years been symbolic months in Thailand’s political movements, the government will be extra watchful over the situation.

As long as they don't fuck about in December, cos I am going there fo xmas and the new year.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255309080008

Security units on alert for violence on 19 Sep

BANGKOK, 8 September 2010 (NNT) – Security agencies will be on high alert this 19 September when the red-shirt United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship plans to rally in Bangkok and Chiang Mai to mark the 4th anniversary of the 2006 coup d’état.

A report from security authorities has revealed the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) will mobilize people from the northern and the northeastern regions to join demonstrations to be held in Chiang Mai on 19 September.

The UDD also plans to organize parallel events in other provinces across the country including Bangkok.

Intelligence agencies have warned that black-clad men may take advantage of the gatherings. Authorities are uncertain about when or how attacks may occur but are keeping a close watch on the situation.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1034551

CRES: Keep Emergency Rule in Some Areas

UPDATE : 9 September 2010

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations has announced that the state of emergency will remain in effect in some areas to ensure public safety and security.

Yesterday, the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations or CRES Spokesperson Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd announced that the center is concerned about the ongoing dissemination of false information regarding the security authority's duty, especially its role in the investigations of the deaths during the latest political unrest.

Sansern asked Thai people to allow the justice system to take its course and urged the public not to be victims of distorted news reports.

The CRES also held a meeting to determine whether the emergency rule should be lifted in areas still under the state of emergency.

The center concluded that the emergency decree is still necessary in some areas due to recent intelligence reports and the string of recent attacks in the country.

Sansern added that the emergency rule has increased the officials' effectiveness in preventing violent incidents.

The CRES spokesperson also repudiated the claim that the government is behind the recent attacks. The Opposition claimed that the government is creating chaos to justify keeping the state of emergency in effect.

The CRES also expressed some concern about the red-shirt rally scheduled for September 19, which will be the 4th anniversary of the 2006 coup which ousted fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The authorities are concerned that some of the activities planned at the event are in violation of the court's order.

Sansern also pleaded with the red-shirt group to consider the image of the country, which has been gradually improving since the last political unrest.

At the same time, the CRES has ordered police to keep up on intelligence reports to prevent more attacks.

The CRES spokesperson also reported an incident, in which a schoolbag was discovered under a flyover bridge in Phayathai district in the capital.

Sansern said the authorities called in the bomb squad at around 2 A.M. Wednesday morning. The squad said the bag was stuffed with two fire extinguishers filled with fertilizer-based explosives.

The bombs were live with a damage potential radius of 15-20 meters. Fortunately, the squad was able to defuse the two bombs safely.

Further investigations are ongoing to find those responsible.

Govt urges public not to worry over the upcoming UDD protests on 19 Sept : National News Bureau of Thailand

Govt urges public not to worry over the upcoming UDD protests on 19 Sept

BANGKOK, 10 September 2010 (NNT ) — Deputy Prime Minister of Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has urged the public not to panic over the upcoming anti-government movements scheduled for next Sunday.

Even though the deputy prime minister has expressed concerns over the protests to be held on September 19, he has assured the public that the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) will do their best to handle the situation and maintain order.

The CRES will today hold a meeting with the Royal Thai Police today, during which the police will present to the CRES the planned measures to handle the red-shirted protesters.

The anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protests are scheduled to be held on Sep.19, the day marking the fourth anniversary of the coup d'état that has sent former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatara into exile, and has since deeply polarized the nation.

Still an emergency


The commander of the First Army around Bangkok says the emergency will be enforced indefinitely in the capital - but the prime minister asserts himself, and refuses to re-invoke the decree for Chiang Mai.

Decree ends in Bangkok last - CRES
12/09/2010

FIRST ARMY CHIEF SAYS INCREASED TROOP PRESENCE IN CAPITAL A NECESSARY MEASURE

Following its latest national security assessment, the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has decided that Bangkok will be the last province in which the emergency decree will be revoked, says First Army commander Kanit Sapitak.

Lt Gen Kanit's comments yesterday came after security forces stepped up troop presence in crowded public places such as subway and skytrain stations to guard against acts of sabotage.

Bangkok is among seven provinces, including neighbouring Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani, in which the decree is still in effect. The government enacted the decree on April 7 as tensions rose during protests by the anti-government red shirt movement.

The CRES is closely monitoring the security situation in these provinces, and has been on high alert recently after three unexploded bombs were found in front of a school and a shopping mall in Bangkok, and at the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi on Wednesday night.

Rumours of a planned attack on Bangkok's subway system have also given security officials reason for concern, Lt Gen Kanit said.

"We have to carefully check every report," he said.

Lt Gen Kanit said it was too soon to say whether the rumour of an attack on the subway system was politically motivated, but added that it did seem to be intended to cause the public anxiety in the wake of the red shirt protests and subsequent dispersal earlier in the year.

Lt Gen Kanit said that the increased troop presence at crowded public places such as subway and skytrain stations might cause the public to be alarmed, but they should feel more secure knowing they are being protected.

The troop deployment was in response to the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship's (UDD) announcement that it would hold a rally in Bangkok next Sunday to mark the fourth anniversary of the Sept 19 2006 coup that toppled the Thaksin administration.

The UDD is planning the mass rally despite an emergency decree regulation prohibiting gatherings of more than five people for political purposes.

The group plans to meet at Victory Monument and hold a merit-making ceremony at Wat Prathum Wanaram near its former rally venue at the Ratchaprasong intersection.

Other activities will be held at the intersection and in other provinces, including Ratchaburi, Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Mai, according to Sombat Boonngamanong, leader of the Red Sunday Group.

The emergency decree was lifted in Chiang Mai in the middle of last month, but a grenade attack on the 5th Special Warfare Regiment in Mae Rim district on Thursday sparked concerns that it would be enforced again.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, however, said on Saturday the government had no plan to re-impose the decree in the province.

The CRES supported the premier's decision, said CRES director and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

Mr Suthep admitted that grenade attacks on state agencies were "difficult to prevent".

Security authorities suspected that a man in a saloon car on Chotana Road near the base used an M79 launcher to fire grenades at it, said Third Army commander Lt Gen Thanongsak Apirakyothin.

Five grenades were fired on to a landing area for parachutists about 100 metres from the road. Three did not explode, and nobody was injured in the attack.

UDD co-leader for Chiang Mai Sriwan Janpong denied that his group was involved in the attack, and said it might have been an attempt to give the government an excuse to impose the decree.

bangkokpost.com

The commander of the First Army around Bangkok says the emergency will be enforced indefinitely in the capital

.....

PM tells students govt wants to lift state of emergency nationwide


PM tells students govt wants to lift state of emergency nationwide



Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told university students Sunday that his government wants to lift state of emergency nationwide when the situation permits it.

During his weekly TV programme, the prime minister played a tape of his encountering with representatives of the Student of Federation of Thailand. The prime minister was seen on the tape saying he also wants to lift the state of emergency in the southern border provinces.

Abhisit also told the students that the government was trying to minimize impact on the people's rights when enforcing the emergency decree.

The Nation

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

During his weekly TV programme, the prime minister played a tape of his encountering with representatives of the Student of Federation of Thailand.

At a special Government House meeting yesterday with university students in which goodwill gestures were expected, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was faced with difficult questions from them over deaths during the red-shirt protests in May in addition to calls for him to resign.

https://teakdoor.com/battle-for-bangk...ml#post1552365 (Students talk tough to PM over deaths)

students are cute, they live in an artificial world and a bubble, and then eventually they wake up

Less talk, more action I think is what is needed. We have had the same garbage for months now.

Bangkok Post : Blast sparks calls for decree return

Blast sparks calls for decree return

Newin's in-laws come under grenade attack

• Published: 13/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

CHIANG MAI : A grenade attack on a company here owned by Newin Chidchob's father-in-law has prompted renewed calls for the government to reimpose the emergency decree in the province.

A grenade was fired yesterday at the offices of Chiang Mai Construction, a company run by Khanaen Supha, the father of the wife of the Bhumjaithai Party's de facto leader.

The grenade hit the roof of the three-storey building in which Mr Khanaen also lives with his wife.

The roof was damaged in the attack as was some carpeting inside the building. A tree and lights on the road in front of the firm were also damaged.

The incident was reported to police about 3am.

Deputy Chiang Mai police chief Phanudet Boonruang said a pickup truck was captured on surveillance video passing the company on the other side of the road at the time of the incident, leading investigators to suspect it was involved in the attack.

Pol Col Phanudet said officers would check out tapes of surveillance cameras at the company and at Chiang Mai municipality for more details.

Mr Khanaen quoted a security guard on duty as confirming he saw a pickup truck pull up with an unspecified number of people in the back and the occupants approach the building before firing the grenade and fleeing in the direction of Chiang Mai airport.

The incident was the second grenade attack in the province in four days.

An M79 launcher was suspected to have been used in a grenade attack on Thursday on the 5th Special Warfare Regiment in Mae Rim district.

Deputy governor Chuchat Kilapaeng said yesterday following the latest attack that the province would propose that the government reimpose the decree so government forces could provide better security in the province.

The emergency decree was lifted in Chiang Mai last month but remains in effect in seven provinces including Bangkok.

Pol Col Phanudet said he believed the attack on Mr Khanaen's company yesterday was politically motivated as it came just one week before a planned rally by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to mark the fourth anniversary of the coup by the military which toppled the government led by Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pol Col Phanudet said the grenade attacks would damage the image of red shirts in the province.

He also said there had been a total of 15 bomb attacks in the northern provinces between March and May this year. The targets had included military bases, government offices, private homes and public premises that had political symbolism.

The UDD in Chiang Mai on Saturday denied involvement in the attack at the army camp on Thursday and its leaders said yesterday the demonstration next weekend would be peaceful.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said he would not reinstate the decree in Chiang Mai in the wake of the attack on the army camp.

Mr Abhisit said yesterday the latest grenade attack supported the government's contention that some groups did not want to see peace restored in Thailand.

The government would continue to focus on enforcing the law, he said, but it would allow political gatherings for the sake of national reconciliation.

Demonstrators can rally as long as they do not block roads or make any public obstruction.

But Mr Abhisit said he was concerned about any violence that might take place alongside Sunday's rally.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1034686

Army Chief Will Not Bring Back Emergency Decree in Chiang Mai

UPDATE : 13 September 2010

Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda confirms that he is not contemplating the reinstatement of the emergency decree in Chiang Mai province despite recent incidents of unrest.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...-be-used-again

Anupong: Decree won't be used again

• Published: 13/09/2010 at 10:50 AM
• Online news: Breakingnews

The emergency decree will not be reimposed in Chiang Mai and no violence is expected to occur during the red-shirt events marking the fourth anniversary of the 2006 coup d'etat, national army chief Anupong Paojinda said on Monday morning.

“Declaring a state of emergency in Chiang Mai again would affect the people’s day-to-day lives,” Gen Anupong said following a grenade attack outside a company in the province owned by Bhumjaithai powerbroker Newin Chidchob’s father-in-law on Sunday.

On the red-shirts’ plan to organise an event to mark the Sept 19 coup this Sunday, the army chief said he did not expect any violence.

“The red-shirts only want to express their political views, which is legitimate, but they must abide by the law at all times,” he said.

Govt to consider using decree again
13/09/2010

The government will consider Chiang Mai authorities' call for the government to declare a state of emergency in the province again, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Monday.

Mr Abhisit's comment came after a grenade exploded outside a construction company owned by the father in law of of Bhumjaithai Party powerbroker Newin Chidchob in Chiang Mai early on Sunday morning and the five grenades fired into an army camp in Chiang Mai's Mae Rim district on Thursday.

He said it would not be necessary to reimpose the emergency rule in areas where the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship planned to gather to mark the Sept 19, 2006 coup.

However, local agencies can ask the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation to consider enforcing the decree in their areas, if needed.

The red-shirt community radio stations had requested to be allowed on air again after they were shut down by the government during the red-shirt protests. The government would consider their requests in accordance with the law.

bangkokpost.com

Originally Posted by Mid

in accordance with the law

What law?

When a military coup takes over, put their judges in place then rules the country by the barrel of their guns, then where is the law???

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

Originally Posted by Mid

in accordance with the law

What law?

When a military coup takes over, put their judges in place then rules the country by the barrel of their guns, then where is the law???

Exactly Betty, what law.... "coup-issued law."

The democratic institution of law went the way of democracy itself.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...urgent-meeting

Chiang Mai CRES calls urgent meeting

• Published: 14/09/2010 at 11:15 AM
• Online news: Breakingnews

The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency the Situation (CRES) in Chiang Mai has called an urgent meeting at 2pm today to assess the situation, reports said.

The CRES meeting will discuss the planned mass gathering in the province by the red-shirts on Sunday and the recent M79 grenade attacks on a military camp and the business of the father-in-law of Newin Chidchob, leader of the Friends of Newin faction inside the Bhumjaithai Party.

The meeting will also determine whether it is necessary to propose to the government the reenactment of the emergency decree in Chiang Mai.

The red-shirts plan to gather to mark the fourth anniversary of the Sept 19, 2006 military coup and in memory of those killed in the April clash between government forces and protesters at Khok Wua intersection and the May 19 dispersal of red-shirt protesters from Ratchaprasong intersection.

Anupong rejects need for decree
14/09/2010

Situation in Chiang Mai seen as under control

Army chief Anupong Paojinda is insisting the security situation in Chiang Mai does not warrant the return of the emergency decree in the province.

Gen Anupong's remarks follow a grenade attack on Sunday on a company owned by the father-in-law of veteran politician Newin Chidchob.

His assessment echoed that of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who said on Sunday that he was not in favour of reimposing the decree in Chiang Mai because of the effect it would have on the public.

The outgoing army chief said the recent grenade attacks in Chiang Mai were aimed at creating a disturbance and were difficult to prevent.

Heavy troop deployments outside of army bases would be inappropriate given the absence of the emergency decree, which was further hampering security forces' ability to prevent the attacks, he said.

"Now, what our troops can do is remain vigilant within the military bases," Gen Anupong said.

"Although we can deploy forces outside the barracks, we are still constrained when it comes to the use of weapons, as there is no law to support it."

The army chief said it was the duty of police to provide security in areas where the emergency decree had been revoked.

The decree was lifted in Chiang Mai last month. However, a grenade attack on the 5th Special Warfare Regiment in Mae Rim district last Thursday and Sunday's pre-dawn attack on the offices of Chiang Mai Construction, a company run by Khanaen Supha, the father-in-law of Mr Newin, prompted renewed calls for the government to reimpose the emergency decree in the province.

Mr Abhisit said yesterday local authorities could petition the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation to reimpose the decree if they thought it necessary. However, the government would try to deal with the security situation using existing laws.

No provinces in which the decree has been revoked have requested its reimposition, Mr Abhisit said. The prime minister visited Nakhon Pathom on Sunday where the governor said the province had not experienced any problems after the decree was lifted.

Chiang Mai police chief Sommai Kongwisaisuk said his force was determining whether there was a link between Sunday's grenade attack and the one at the army base.

He said there was a possibility the attacks were the work of the same group.

Pol Maj Gen Sommai also deemed it unnecessary for the province to be placed under the emergency decree again. The authorities had to take into consideration the views of local residents, he said.

He also said his officers would be able to handle security for a planned red shirt gathering at Chiang Mai Municipality Stadium this coming Sunday.

Gen Anupong also said he had assessed the security situation surrounding a planned red shirt assembly in Bangkok on Sunday and had determined there would be no violence.

The gathering was aimed at remembering those killed in the April 10 clash between government forces and protesters at Khok Wua intersection and the May 19 dispersal of red shirt protesters from Ratchaprasong intersection.

The gathering will also mark the fourth anniversary of the coup that toppled the Thaksin Shinawatra government.

Bangkok police chief Santan Chayanont said about 400 officers would be assigned to the gathering. He quoted the prime minister as saying the demonstrators had the right to stage the rally but they must not violate the law by closing roads or inciting unrest.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said he would seek the cooperation of the military to beef up security at prisons where red shirt leaders are being held in response to reports that protesters plan to lay flowers at the prisons on Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said bombings would continue as long as political conflicts remain unresolved.

He said he planned to hold reconciliation talks with the Puea Thai Party.

bangkokpost.com

Emergency to be lifted in 6 provinces : PM
September 25, 2010

The state of emergency will be lifted next week in six provinces, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday in a television interview with CNBC during his US visit.

He did not name the six provinces, but Bangkok is assumed not to be one of them. Since the red-shirt protests in April and May, the state of emergency has remained in effect in Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, the Korat area in Nakhon Ratchasima, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and the capital, after it was lifted in many other provinces.

Abhisit told the US media that tourism and the economy had been recovering as there had not been no political turmoil after the end of the violent protests.

In Bangkok, meanwhile, a bomb exploded yesterday evening in a trash bin in a soi off Rama III Road, causing injuries to three people.

Siamseng sae-Tia, owner of a small convenience shop, said she found the package near her home on Tuesday morning. She later opened the box and saw a mobile phone tied with a battery pack in it. She later left it at the back of her house after her daughter expressed fears that it could be a bomb.

The elderly woman said a neighbour discarded it in the bin about 30 minutes before it went off, after she had tried for a second time to open it yesterday but stopped after her daughter's protest.

Two female teenage students and a man sustained injuries from the blast and were admitted to hospital.

Meanwhile, Lop Buri police identified two more people suspected of involvement in the theft of war weapons from an Army arms depot - Sergeant-Major Prawit Chernkheeree, who was on active duty, and Anek Okman, a retired sergeant-major who police said had offered to turn himself in soon.

nationmultimedia.com

Thailand: Lift Emergency Decree
September 23, 2010

Draconian Law Allows Authorities to Violate Rights With Impunity


Thai army soldiers stand guard over handcuffed detainees during an operation to evict anti-government "red shirt" protesters from their encampment in Bangkok on May 19, 2010.
© 2010 Reuters

If the Thai government has a legitimate reason to use the Emergency Decree, it should publicly justify it with hard facts. Instead the government continues to enforce the draconian emergency powers and violate basic rights.
Sophie Richardson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch

(New York) - Five months after violent clashes between anti-government groups and state security forces, the Thai government still uses emergency powers to suppress fundamental human rights, Human Rights Watch said today.

On April 7, 2010, in response to escalating violence by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and other parts of the country. The Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation ("Emergency Decree") allows Thai authorities to carry out extended detention of suspects without charge; deny information about those detained without charge; use unofficial detention facilities, where there are inadequate safeguards against possible abuse in custody; and impose widespread censorship. While implementing the Emergency Decree, officials have effective immunity from prosecution for most acts they commit.

"If the Thai government has a legitimate reason to use the Emergency Decree, it should publicly justify it with hard facts," said Sophie Richardson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Instead the government continues to enforce the draconian emergency powers and violate basic rights."

The government extended the enforcement of the Emergency Decree on July 6 "to prevent possible violent or unlawful activities." Based on such vague justification, the Emergency Decree remains in effect in Bangkok and the provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathumthani, Samut Prakarn, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The government has not put forward any justification for suspending certain human rights protections provided under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified by Thailand, which requires an emergency that "threatens the life of the nation" and says that the measures imposed must be "strictly required by the exigencies of the situation."

The government is systematically using the Emergency Decree to hold persons without charge for up to 30 days in unofficial places of detention. Human Rights Watch noted that the category of people subjected to questioning, arrest, and detention by the government's Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES) has apparently been expanded beyond leaders and members of the UDD who directly took part in the protests, and now includes those accused of sympathizing with or supporting the UDD. Hundreds of politicians, former government officials, businessmen, activists, academics, and community radio operators have been summoned to report to the CRES. Some of them, such as university professor Suthachai Yimprasert, were arrested and detained in military-controlled locations immediately after they reported to the CRES. There have also been disturbing reports that journalists, photographers, and medical volunteers have been ordered to report to the CRES after they publicly stated that they witnessed abuses committed by the security forces during the dispersal of the UDD rally.

The authorities deprive those arrested and detained under the Emergency Decree of their right to challenge a detention before a court (habeas corpus). Moreover, unlike Thailand's Criminal Procedure Code, the Emergency Decree provides neither assurances of prompt access to legal counsel and family members nor effective judicial and administrative safeguards against the mistreatment of detainees, as required by international law.

Despite reports that hundreds of people have been detained and interrogated under the Emergency Decree in locations controlled by the security forces, the CRES has so far failed to provide information about the exact number of those detained and their current whereabouts to their families, parliamentary inquiry commissions, the National Human Rights Commission, and the newly appointed Independent Fact-Finding Commission for Reconciliation, led by former Attorney General Kanit Na Nakorn.

"The lack of transparency in the enforcement of emergency powers is deeply alarming," Richardson said. "When even the commissions set up specifically to investigate violence cannot have access to key information, the government's promises for justice and accountability lose all credibility."

Secret detention sites and unaccountable officials are a recipe for human rights abuses, Human Rights Watch said. The government should immediately make public the number of people detained under the Emergency Decree, as well as their names and whereabouts.

The right to freedom of expression is essential for the functioning of democracy and guaranteeing other fundamental human rights, Human Rights Watch said. However, since April 7, the government has used the Emergency Decree to undermine media freedom and violate the right to free expression. The CRES has shut down more than 1,000 websites, a satellite television station, online television channels, newspapers, magazines, and community radio stations, most of which are considered closely aligned with the UDD. Human Rights Watch called on the government either to lift immediately the censorship and other restraints on the rights to freedom of expression of online and broadcast media, or to bring appropriate charges against the media operators for incitement of violence under the criminal code in accordance with international law.

"Thailand's ongoing restrictions on free expression through emergency powers are nothing less than a national regime of censorship, which obstructs prospects for lasting political reconciliation and the restoration of democracy," Richardson said.

During the political violence of April and May, which involved UDD protesters known as "Red Shirts," heavily armed militants linked to the UDD, Thai security forces, and pro-government groups, at least 89 people were killed and 1,898 were injured, according to the Public Health Ministry.

As a fundamental component of his "road map" for national reconciliation, Prime Minister Abhisit publicly endorsed an impartial investigation into politically motivated violence and abuses committed by all sides. Human Rights Watch urged that any investigation include acts of violence by UDD protesters and militants affiliated with the UDD against the security forces and civilians, including medical personnel and reporters, and the destruction of property. An investigation also needs to examine decisions by the security forces to fire live ammunition, possible misuse of force, and other alleged abuses. The Emergency Decree, however, contains broad-based immunity provisions. Section 17 of the Emergency Decree provides unnecessarily expanded immunity from criminal, civil, and disciplinary liability for officials acting under the emergency powers.

"Prime Minister Abhisit's ‘road map' for an investigation was a positive step, but so far has been little more than a rhetorical commitment," Richardson said. "The critical first step is invalidating the Emergency Decree's immunity clauses, which fundamentally undermine reconciliation, justice, and accountability."

hrw.org

Extending emergency decree in Bangkok through New Year possible
วันอังคาร ที่ 28 ก.ย. 2553



BANGKOK, Sept 28 -- National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general Thawin Pleansi said Tuesday that the emergency decree in Bangkok and adjacent provinces might be enforced through the New Year depending on the security evaluation.

Mr Thawin said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) had reviewed the application of the emergency decree in Bangkok and six other provinces and submitted its evaluation and recommendations to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

He said an earlier security evaluation made recommendations similar to other security-related agencies, including the Interior Ministry, which proposed that the emergency decree was no longer necessary in three northeastern provinces--Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen--but it should be continued in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.

However, he hinted at a possible adjustment after the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Asked whether the emergency decree in Bangkok and nearby provinces would be enforced until the New Year, he said it was possible, or "until next year."

Mr Thawin said that the recent bombings in Bangkok should be clearly defined whether which were motivated by personal conflicts and which were politically related.

He did not rule out more bombings in the future and called on the authorities to do their best to prevent the incidents.

The imposition of emergency decree in seven provinces will expire on Oct 5. It has been in force in Bangkok and outlying provinces since early April, followed its use in the northern and northeastern provinces to maintain law and order after some members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) engaged in violence.

The special security law bans groups of over five persons from holding political gatherings--or face detention for 30 days without the need of being charged.

Earlier Tuesday National Police Chief Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree led high-ranking police officers to brief the Cabinet on the recent bombings in Bangkok.

mcot.net