Thailand’s ruling junta yesterday said that it had lifted martial law imposed just before a coup 10 months ago, but it invoked a security clause in the nation’s interim constitution that would mean the military is to retain broad powers.
The martial law order banned all political gatherings and gave the military other wide-ranging powers.
In a televised announcement, the junta said it would be replaced with a special security measure, known as Article 44, which allows security forces to continue to make arrests without a court warrant and to detain people without charge.
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein yesterday said he was “alarmed by the Thai military government’s decision to replace martial law “with something even more draconian” and called for a return to civilian rule.
The decision “leaves the door wide open to serious violations of fundamental human rights” and “annihilates freedom of expression,” he said.
It means “a sweeping away of all checks and balances on the power of the government,” he said.
The US said that while it welcomed the lifting of martial law, it was concerned that by invoking Article 44, the junta’s announcement would not meet the need to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
A representative of the US Department of State said it was important that trials of civilians in military courts and detention without charge be ended, and that individuals be allowed to exercise fundamental rights.
The junta said King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved lifting martial law throughout the country.
“There is no need to use martial law anymore... The king has allowed martial law to be lifted from April 1,” a Royal Gazette statement read out on national television said.
Article 44 of the interim constitution gives Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also junta chief, power over all aspects of government, law and order.
The televised statement said Article 44 would allow the military to “catch anyone and hand them over to an investigation team,” to help with investigations and to search buildings in the interests of national security.
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