Thailand's military government is breaking many human rights laws in order to sustain its position security.
Today Amnesty International released a report, named Attitude adjustment- 100 days under Martial Law, detailing the status of Thailand’s human rights during the past three months. After the military coup in May, Thailand’s military has been in control of the government. Amnesty International’s report “is the first comprehensive investigation into Thailand’s human rights situation since the military imposed Martial Law on 20 May 2014 and seized power two days later,” according to the organization. Copious amounts of clear human rights violations committed by Thailand’s military government, called the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), are documented in the report.
The hundreds of detentions, cases of torture, and inhibitions of expression “are creating a climate of fear in Thailand, and there are no signs of a let-up,” said Amnesty International in the report. Richard Bennett, the director for the Asia-Pacific region of Amnesty International, said, “The Thai authorities should end this disturbing pattern of repression, end human rights violations, respect its international human rights obligations and allow open debate and discussion - all of which are vital to the country’s future.”
Most of the detained individuals were affiliated with the former government. Although most of them were released within a week of detainment, they were not allowed legal counsel nor were they given charge or trial.
The report outlines in further detail numerous aspects of human rights violations. One such detail is about torture in Thailand.
Kritsuda Khunasen testified to the torture she experienced, “If I was too slow when answering, didn’t speak, didn’t answer the question in a direct manner … I was beaten with a fist to my face, stomach and body… The worst that I experienced was when they placed a plastic bag over my head, tied up the ends and put a cloth bag over my head. This knocked me unconscious and I was brought back by throwing water on me… I finally knew what it felt like to be in constant fear of death.”
In addition, the NCPO has been censoring media, blocking numerous websites, and even monitoring universities.
“Immediately after the coup, senior academic staff at universities in Chiang Mai, Mahasarakham, Ubon Ratchathani, and Phitsanulok provinces were called to meet with military officials and instructed to monitor and forbid any political activities creating 'division' and 'disrespect of law,'" states the report.
Violations also include prohibition of political gatherings. Any “political gathering” of 5 people or more is deserving of a year of imprisonment and a fine of $650.
Amnesty International offers recommendations to address the human rights violations in Thailand in the report. Bennett urges, “Members of the international community should take all opportunities, including the current session of the Human Rights Council, to encourage Thailand’s military government to change its course and ensure the respect for human rights that is necessary if it is to achieve its stated aim of national reconciliation.”
