PRIME MINISTER and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told top military commanders that there will be no obstruction to rallies by students as freedom of expression is a right in this country but it is has to be monitored that they do not break the law and trigger violence that could lead to a repeat of the Hong Kong model here, INN News reported this afternoon (August 22, 2020).
This issue came up at a meeting of the annual military reshuffle committee attended by the Supreme Commander and the commanders-in-chief of the army, navy and air force yesterday.
Some recent rallies by high school students were discussed with informed sources telling the meeting that 95% of those pushing for their rights and freedom are female.
These sources believe that the gathering by high school students will not turn violent because the government through various ministries will speed up clarification and build up understanding with educational institutions and their families while also searching for the source of the dissemination of information.
Gen. Prayut expressed his concern about the impact on family ties as families are the foundation of Thai society as well as the creation of misunderstanding that may lead to conflicts.
He urged the armed forces to look for ways to build up the new generation of youth by focusing on the long term.
“The water is turbulent. Don’t use a boat to block it. Just carefully watch that the law is not broken through inciting violence and violently destroying or burn various places In order to lead to the Hong Kong model.
“Police have been instructed to exercise patience in performing their duty and avoid confrontation with those attending these gatherings.”
He added that a large gathering is taking place on September 19 at Thammasat University, Tha Prachan campus, but this will not be banned.
However he warned that it has be watched whether mass groups from he provinces will join the Free People group, especially People’s Movement for a Just Society, or P-Move, to pressure the government to resolve the troubles farmers and socially vulnerable workers are facing as these have now been aggravated by the economic problems brought on through the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.
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Top: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Photo: INN News
