Martial law remains in place in Thailand

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) of Thailand recently made known that the martial law is likely to remain in effect after General Prayuth Chan-ocha becomes prime minister.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) of Thailand recentlymade known that the martial law is likely to remain in effect afterGeneral Prayuth Chan-ocha becomes prime minister.

NCPO spokesmanSirichan Ngathong insisted that without the law, which has beenenforced nationwide since May 19, the military will be left withoutlegal tools to do a proper job in keeping order. He added thatunderground activities will likely increase or intensify if the martiallaw is lifted.

The council hoped that the law will help thecountry remain peaceful and having it imposed was unlikely to obstructthe new government in running the country. Military members havecommented that the law has not affected the people's everyday life.

GeneralPrayuth earlier said during his daily programme that efforts are stillbeing made by old powers and influential groups to bring the nation backto its old dysfunctional state. Without the martial law, Thailandwill likely have much to suffer in the future.

The NCPO haspromised that Thais will have a chance in voting for their ownrepresentatives and see their democratic rights returned by October 2015through a general election. The designation of a cabinet, which isexpected to be finished next week, is part of the army's road map todemocracy.

Gen. Prayuth held that the martial law, which banspublic gatherings on political demonstrations, is done to prevent armedattacks. It is also necessary to reduce clashes between people whouphold different political ideologies.

The Martial Law Act of1914 grants the military full power to summon officials and individualsfor investigation, search and seize individuals, order compulsorymilitary service, prohibit assemblies, media coverage, advertising andpublic transport, and build army barracks at any given location.-VNA

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