The ban on political gatherings of more than five people will be
eased to involve more people in government policy making, Thai
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Tuesday, but it does not mean
the martial law is lifted.
Surayud told Thai media after a cabinet meeting Tuesday that he
would ask the Council to amend the ban, which, in conjunction with
the martial law, was imposed over the country by the military
Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) immediately after it launched
the Sept. 19 coup to seize power.
Under an announcement by the CDR, which later renamed itself as
Council for National Security (CNS), a group of five or more people
are prohibited from organizing a meeting or gathering for political
purposes as long as martial law is in effect. Offenders face a jail
term of up to six months and a fine of up to 10,000 baht
(US$270).
Surayud said the CNS agreed in principle to his proposal. The
proposed amendments would allow political functions, including
party meetings and conventions of over five persons, to take place
in private venues such as a convention center or university
auditorium, as long as it stays out of the streets.
He said he proposed the amendments because his interim
government wanted to solicit different views in regard to the
drafting of the new Constitution, the revamp of the justice system
and enhancement of the education system.
However, the premier said he did not know when martial law might
be lifted. He said "circumstances would determine" whether martial
law stays or goes.
Thai media quoted political analysts as saying that since the
ban has been enforced as a law under military rule, any changes to
the ban would have to be endorsed by the CNS before coming into
effect, then to be pushed through by the National Legislative
Assembly, the interim Parliament, to replace the CDR
announcement.
So far there has been no reported arrest of people for violating
the ban on gatherings, although several small demonstrations
against the coup and at least two major protests on economic issues
have been staged.
(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2006)
