The 19 September 2006 coup was a turning point for the expansion of powers of the armed forces over the democratically elected civilian government since the end of Cold War, in light of the reorganization of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). The coup makers’ legislative branch passed a statutory law to restructure ISOC, giving […]
Case Background: On Monday 9th September 2019, Ms Sarinee Achavanuntakul and Mr Yuttana Nuanjarut, a news editor at the Krungthep Turakit newspaper, will appear before the Supreme Court to give testimony on charges of contempt of court. The court summons, dated 21st August 2019, included a copy of a memorandum sent by Mr Supradit Jeensawake, […]
The Royal Pardon Decree 2019 issued to mark the King’s Coronation in May has led to the pardon or reduction of prison terms of certain convicted prisoners, including those convicted on politically motivated charges such as the five core members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who had been imprisoned for unlawful occupation of […]
On 1 and 2 August 2019, bomb attacks took place in at least seven spots including the Government Complex and several public places in Bangkok. On 2 August, two Malay Muslim men were taken into in custody in relation to the bombings, namely Mr. Look-ai Saengae, age 23, and Mr. Wildon Maha, age 29. They […]
What has happened in the past five years? On 22 May 2014, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), led by Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, seized power from the Yingluck Shinawatra government, revoked the 2007 Constitution, imposed martial law and arbitrarily issued a string of announcements and orders to rule the country as it deemed […]
On 9 July 2019, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha in his capacity as the Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) issued the Head of NCPO Order no. 9/2562 to repeal 70 NCPO Announcements/Orders and Head of NCPO Orders. Since staging a coup on 22 May 2014, the NCPO has issued a total of 557 […]
“Has the court ruled yet?” “They will rule this time, won’t they?” Defence lawyers are repeatedly asked these questions by the defendants at every hearing at the Bangkok Military Court. “It will be a long time until the next witness hearing. And my brother remains in jail. My time should be put to better use, […]
To instigate an effective military coup, an aspiring dictator or junta must oust the ruling government and abrogate the existing constitution. Over the past eighty-six years since the end of the absolute monarchy in June 1932 in Thailand, soldiers who aspire to launch coups have learned that there is a third component of a ‘successful’ […]
Monitoring harassments against politicians after the lifting of the ban on political activities ahead of the election Despite the 11 December 2018 issuance of the Head of the NCPO Order no. 22/2561 to lift restrictions on political activities despite the promulgation of the Royal Decree on the election, anti-junta politicians continue to face harassment and […]
January 2019 was yet another month awash with intense political furore. Groups in various parts of Thailand have taken to the streets clamoring against the postponement of the elections. Such public outcries stem from uncertainty around the date of the next elections rousing fear that they might be cancelled or even annulled. Towards the end […]
2018 marks the fifth year since the Thai military staged a coup in Thailand, installing the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in government. During these five years, human rights violations have continued unabated. Restrictions of freedom of expression, holding individuals in custody in military barracks, prosecuting those exercising their rights and freedoms in […]
Since late 2016, in the aftermath of the passing of King Rama IX and the accession of King Rama X, prosecutions of lèse majesté cases or the violation of the Penal Code’s Section 112 spiked sharply. The “witch hunt” or vigilante actions taken against people who hold different views led to prosecution of dozens of […]
