What happened to the rule of law in Thailand? You could say it’s like the old Vietnam War era GI saying - same, same but different, except in this case it’s same, same but tougher. Though, mostly effecting Thai's with the enforcement of martial law laid down by the military junta and then Thai's subsequent loss of their freedoms.
So okay, I’m
a tourist how does all this political unrest, coup, marshal law and whole lot
affect me? Well the curfew might have been a problem but it was only in a effect for a few weeks and is history now. However, you might see a greater amount of military activity but from a tourists point of view it can be looked at as an enhancement to locale color, Though, be sure to remember and ask permission before including a solder in your
selfie. One last word to the unaware, keep track off what's going on around you, stay away from any large gatherings of civilians or military and stay on the beaten track.
Since the coup - nor a disparaging word, not even a small one is tolerated. The new government has O tolerance for desenters speaking out against martial law or any of the junta’s policies. Also, as usual, negative opinions regarding the King or the royal family are also off limits.
Thai's love their 86 year old, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Though if anyone was ever tempted to step over to the dark side and go against the king or the royal's, Thailand's lese majeste law deals with these transgressions. Here are the basic lese majeste law guidelines - Thai or foreigners living in Thailand who question the kings decisions, insult him, ridicules or make fun of the king or of the royal's are pretty much assured of a jail term of up to 15 years. Keep in mind your guilty until proven other wise.
Meanwhile, public decent against the junta can get you into a whole heap of trouble as dissident, Sombat Boonngram found out. He openly protested against the coup as it was happening which got him arrested and detained for 25 days. Now released but facing charges in a military court for instigating public unrest and a second charge of violating the computer crime act for his anti government writings. Then in a second court he is charged with acts violating the lese majeste law. He is a civilian with no violent agenda and is being tried in a military court. Who is now due all this is unemployed, lost his position with his TV work along with losing his board member status with an NGO.
What Thai's are reading and electronic games they are playing are being monitored - George Orwell's book 1984 is banned, along with the video game Tropico 5, along with the three finger salute from the movie Hunger Games just to name a few documented transgressions.
86 year old King Blinghumibol Adulyadej's
has endorsed the junta's provisional charter a precursor for
the new Thai constitution. As the previous constitution drawn up after
the coup of 2006 which removed Thaksin as the PM of Thailand, was torn up as
General Prayuth's new political party the National Council for Peace
and Order took control of Thailand. As
a result the duly elected pre-coup NLA (National Legislation
Assembly) was removed from office and has since been replaced by
representatives picked by General Prayuth's party.
Sabi, sabi a couple Chang beers and all this political stuff will just fade away.
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| Thanks, for stopping by - Doug |
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