CALD Statement No. 11, S. 2020

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) expresses growing concern on the current political situation in Thailand where a state of emergency has been declared and a number of protesters have been arrested. We recognize the sensitivity of the situation and the possibility for further political unrest due to these recent developments.

For several weeks, student-led protests have gathered peacefully in Bangkok to call for the resignation of the incumbent prime minister, the redrafting of the constitution through an inclusive process, an end to all forms of intimidation and persecution of protesters, and the reform of key institutions.

On 14 October, an untoward incident occurred when a certain group of people disrupted the royal motorcade that drove past the protesters, which, according to government authorities, violated “the Public Assembly Law and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand.”

This incident prompted Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to issue a “Serious Emergency Situation” declaration in Bangkok from 15 October to “ensure compliance with the law and national order and public interest.”

The new emergency measure bans the gathering of five or more people. The police has since arrested more than 20 people, including prominent student leaders. The youth leaders were denied bail and were taken to prison outside Bangkok.

The call of the young people of Thailand for greater democracy reverberates similar aspirations in many parts of Asia which continue to face the challenges to democracy and human rights exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

CALD believes that everyone has the right to freely convene and express their demands and aspirations for their country within the intent of the law. Freedom of speech and assembly are vital human rights, enshrined in the constitution of Thailand, that every government must respect and uphold.

CALD calls for sobriety amidst the increasing political tensions in Thailand. The police must exercise maximum restraint in dealing with the protests, and the other side must also refrain from using hate speech that tends to increase division in society. CALD also calls on the government to initiate an inclusive dialogue to address the grievances of the people and pave the way to a peaceful resolution.

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan

Chairperson

16 October 2020