The junta in Thailand feeling threatened by who knows what have decided to give the Thai military policing powers which furthers strengthens its power. One must remember that dissent is unwelcome in authoritarian states.
Maybe the military can arrest half of the Thai population they feel threatened by. Or, like the Eastern German Stasi they could recruit half of the people to spy on the other half.
Soldiers from the rank of sub-lieutenant and higher will now be allowed to prevent or suppress 27 types of offences, including crimes against public peace, defamation, gambling, extortion, and labour abuses. They will also be allowed in some cases to search property without a warrant.
Maybe the military can arrest half of the Thai population they feel threatened by. Or, like the Eastern German Stasi they could recruit half of the people to spy on the other half.
Soldiers from the rank of sub-lieutenant and higher will now be allowed to prevent or suppress 27 types of offences, including crimes against public peace, defamation, gambling, extortion, and labour abuses. They will also be allowed in some cases to search property without a warrant.
The military is now authorised to seize assets, suspend financial transactions and ban suspects from travelling.
Colonel Piyapong Klinphan, a spokesman for the junta, said the order was implemented to prevent crimes that pose a danger to public order.
Thailand is a longtime US ally but relations have soured since prime minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha came to power in a 2014 coup. His “interim” administration has promised to hold elections although they are not planned until at least mid-2017.
Under army-rule, civil liberties have been cracked down on with arrest of dissidents, reporters and politicians. Last week, the junta banned Thai journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk from attending a press freedom event in Finland.
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