EU calls on Thai government to respect freedom of of speech
A Thai soldier stands guard in front of the Democracy Monument in Bangkok after the military seized power last year. Pic: AP.
BANGKOK (AP) — The European Union has called on Thailand’s military government to respect freedom of speech and assembly as it prepares to draft a new constitution.
The EU delegation in Thailand said in a statement Thursday that the Southeast Asian nation should allow critics to express their views to achieve true reform and reconciliation. It described the EU as a friend of Thailand that has repeatedly urged that democracy be restored.
“At a time when the drafting process of a new constitution is starting, the EU Delegation again calls upon the Thai government to respect freedom of speech and assembly. Only a full and free public debate in which also critical voices can be heard will allow for true reform and reconciliation,” the statement said.
The statement was approved by the envoys of all EU nations in Thailand.
Thailand’s army overthrew an elected government in May last year after months of turmoil caused by anti-government demonstrators.
Rival political factions have struggled for power, sometimes violently, since a 2006 coup toppled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The current ruling junta curbs dissent through intimidation and detentions.
The full European Union Delegation statement can be found here
