By Pravit Rojanaphruk
Senior Staff Writer
BANGKOK — The Canadian Embassy in Bangkok said it is concerned by National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Order 13/2016 which grants expanded policing powers to the Thai military, saying the order threatens to undermine the rule of law and due process and increases the potential for human rights abuses in Thailand.
“Canada also wishes to reiterate our significant concerns regarding the military government’s restrictions on basic civil and political rights, including the Thai government’s stated intention to expand its used of attitude adjustment as a means to intimidate political opponents and activists,” the statement issued Monday afternoon read.
“Canada is also closely following developments regarding the referendum law and urges Thai authorities to ensure Thai citizens are able to engage in a free and inclusive debate regarding the merits of the draft constitution.”
The statement concluded by saying that Canada calls on Thailand to respect its international human rights obligations, including those related to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the rule of law.
The statement comes after the US, member states of the European Union and international NGOs expressed similar concerns last week.
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Pravit Rojanaphruk can be reached at [email protected] and @PravitR.
