BANKOK: The United Nations condemned “mounting” rights restrictions in junta-ruled Thailand on Friday, calling on the kingdom’s generals to quickly return power following the passing of a new military-crafted constitution.
Thai voters cast ballots in favor of a new charter — the country’s twentieth — in a referendum earlier this month that was hailed by the junta as an endorsement of their two years in power. Some 61 percent of voters approved the document although independent campaigning and open debate was curbed ahead of the polls and turnout was subdued compared to general elections at 59 percent.
The UN said restrictions on freedom of expression and political assembly put in place since the 2014 coup “actually increased” ahead of the referendum.
“We are very concerned about the continued, mounting constraints on the democratic space in Thailand, and call for a prompt return to civilian rule,” Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.
The UN’s statement echoed similar criticism by the United States and the European Union since the vote.
Former army chief turned Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has promised to hold fresh elections at the end of 2017 but only if conditions are calm. His previous election deadlines have slipped.
Shamdasani said at least 115 people were arrested or charged for expressing views about the constitution ahead of the referendum.
Thai voters cast ballots in favor of a new charter — the country’s twentieth — in a referendum earlier this month that was hailed by the junta as an endorsement of their two years in power. Some 61 percent of voters approved the document although independent campaigning and open debate was curbed ahead of the polls and turnout was subdued compared to general elections at 59 percent.
The UN said restrictions on freedom of expression and political assembly put in place since the 2014 coup “actually increased” ahead of the referendum.
“We are very concerned about the continued, mounting constraints on the democratic space in Thailand, and call for a prompt return to civilian rule,” Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.
The UN’s statement echoed similar criticism by the United States and the European Union since the vote.
Former army chief turned Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has promised to hold fresh elections at the end of 2017 but only if conditions are calm. His previous election deadlines have slipped.
Shamdasani said at least 115 people were arrested or charged for expressing views about the constitution ahead of the referendum.
